Bristol Coach Owner Rebuked
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MHEN Mr. A. H. Fielding, proprieW tor of Empress Coaches, Bristol, Ltd., appliedto the Western Traffic Commissioners last week for permission to operate two extra express coaches to Weymouth and Paignton on Saturdays during the peak of the holiday season, Mr. S. W. Nelson, chairman, sternly warned him to keep watch on the future conduct of his firm.
If everyone were allowed to behave in the same way as Empress Coaches, said Mr. Nelson, it would mean the end of licensing of public-service vehicles. It was only the court's regard for Mr. Fielding as an operator of long standing that had prevented the Commissioners from stopping the hearing of the application the moment certain evidence was revealed.
Mr. Fielding admitted that he had accepted more bookings than he was licensed to carry. He explained that some of his booking agents remained
open at night after his head office. was closed and before they Could be warned that vehicles had been fully booked.
Mr. T. D. Corpe, for the railways and the Bristol Tramways and Carriage Co., Ltd., said that the applicants. having over-booked, were seeking to run more coaches to cover up their behaviour. Anyone could manufacture a case on such lines. Passengers who had been booked stood the risk of not being carried and having to make alternative arrangements at the last minute.
Mr. J. Anthony Cox, for the applicant, said that Mr. Fielding was a popular operator. This was why so many people wanted to travel on his coaches.
The applicant was allowed to run two extra coaches on Saturdays except those before August Bank Holiday, when one would be allowed. This was done, said Mr. Nelson, out of consideration for the people who had booked seats, and not for Mr. Fielding.