Objectors withdraw: BR gets full Leeds Freightliner grant
Page 39
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
ABRITISH RAILWAYS application to serve the new Stourton, Leeds, Freightliner terminal, which starts next month, was granted in full for five years by the Yorkshire LA, Mr. H. E. Robson, at Leeds on Tuesday. There were no objections, all nine having been withdrawn following an RRNC discussion.
With a base at Stourton, BR sought a new A-licence for 10 artics to carry all classes and descriptions of goods in Stourton and within 20 miles radius, mainly for railborne traffic in connection with Freightliners.
The LA said heavy capital expenditure was involved and it was in the public interest that Freightliners be fully utilized. They needed adequate facilities. Freightliners were a road/rail co-operative effort and road hauliers had to adapt. There was scope for using outside hauliers on collection and deliveries but it was best for drivers to be BR controlled.
Referring to the normal user, Mr. Robson, said the evidence given had been in respect of exclusive use of the vehicles on Freightliner traffic.
For British Railways, Mr. H. Mann said a Leeds—London service was scheduled to start on July 31 and Leeds—Glasgow on August 7. In addition to carrying traffic for railway customers, use by road hauliers and C-Licensees on a terminal-to-terminal basis would be encouraged.
Mr. E. H. Hopwood, assistant to the manager (containers and Freightliners), emphasized they were run to a time-table and saved costs. Since their introduction from Aberdeen, traders had been enabled to tap London markets otherwise denied them.
Some hiring was needed but casual hire could not be relied on for a scheduled and specialized service of this nature.
The Stourton terminal was designed for nine trains and therefore additional trains could be Introduced. Hauliers need have no fear of not being accommodated.
BR divisional cartage manager Mr. J. Winter said his fleet was fully emplbyed, yet in the last two years concentration schemes and increased productivity had led to fewer vehicles being needed. Re-appraisals were being carried out and the licence of any vehicle found redundant following Freightliner operations would be surrendered. Some hiring might be necessary.
Mr. Winter assured the LA the vehicles would be used exclusively on the specialized services.