Drastic Cut in London Tours
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LASTLAST week-end, London Transport to the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association in connection with the operation of tours to view the Jubilee decorations and floodlighting in London. As reportedlast week, the Association prayed His Majesty's intercession, as a result of the Board's delay in announcing its decisions on the applications for consents, after the tours had been licensed by the Metropolitan Commissioner.
The Board stated that there was no assurance that the streets of the central area would be available for traffic during the forthcoming week. During the past week the Board's regular services had been curtailed nightly and it was understood that the practice might have to be continued. It could not, therefore, agree to the operation of additional vehicles until the regular services were restored.
In view of the possibility of inconvenience to passengers in the outer suburbs, the Board was prepared to consent to the operation of not more than 50 coaches (less than one-third of the figure authorized by the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner) on tours to the central area, commencing not earlier than 8 p.m. and at a minimum fare of 2s. 6d. return, during the week commencing May 13.
The Association, in a statement issued at the week-end, declared the number to be totally inadequate, and the decision to he further proof that the Board is determined to put its rights of monopoly before the public need.
The Association unsuccessfully made a last-minute appeal to the First Commissioner of Works to continue the floodlighting of the principal buildings during this week.