Busman's Laker
Page 4
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Reaction from the bus and coach establishment to the Minister's proposals was both predictable and excusable. After years of living in a protected atmosphere, they cannot relish the concept of a free-for-all, which is almost what the proposals will mean.
If the proposals are adopted, it will mean easier access to the industry, it will mean more opportunity for the entrepreneur, it will mean more competition. In fact it will closely follow the Government's philosophy of more freedom and opportunity.
Will that be bad? It depends largely on one's political persuasion and business situation. There are those who want to retain controls because they do not want to face the challenge of competition — they may even say unfair competition. There are those small companies who will welcome the opportunity to expand without the hindrance of "proof-of-need" objections.
The present system attracts regular objections on the basis that the licence if granted will abstract traffic. Our objections are seen to be no more than obstructions to tours applications which although eventually granted are too late to be of use.
We have never disguised the fact that we believed the present system to be outdated, protectionist and obstructive. The proposals could produce a new concept in coach operation, should benefit the public and may even produce a busman's Freddie Laker.