Why Not Use a Limited Trade Licence?
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Considerable Economies to be Achieved by Taking Advantage of a Valuable Concession
you use a limited trade licence?" This question was put to a number of operators, each with over half a dozen vehicles. More than 50 per cent, of them had never even considered its advantages, The small proportion using one was unanimous in commending its value. " It saves its cost to me every month," said one. A limited trade licence costs only a year. There are many jobs which may be done under it, which would otherwise necessitate the payment of full tax. It can cover any vehicle. In practice, the ordinary operator uses it chiefly during overhauls, but there are, of course, other occasionswhen a limited trade licence is valuable.
Conditions of the Licence.
First, it should be noted that the licence is issued only to bona-fide motor agents or repairers. The operator who does all, or part, of his own repairs, is, therefore, entitled to one, and he should apply to the council from which he obtains his ordinary licences.
A part-yearly licence will not be issued. Two number plates are provided by the council, one plate being fitted with a licence holder. When a vehicle is used under the licence, the plates should be hung over the vehicle n34
number plates. the licence-carryingplate being in front. With a limited trade licence, any vehicle may be operated without further licence for—
(1) Testing or trial during, and immediately after completion of, construction or repair.
(2) Travelling to or from a public weighbridge to ascertain the unladen weight.
(3) Test and trial for a prospective purchaser, and delivery of the vehicle.
(4) Delivering to or collecting from a manufacturer, repairer or dealer.
(5) Proceeding to or returning from a bodybuilder or painter.
(6) To tow in a broken-down vehicle.
Not more than two persons, in addition to the driver, may be carried, and they must be employees, or prospective purchasers, or otherwise necessary for the purpose for which the licence is
being used. On Sundays and public holidays no passenger may be carried— this provision, presumably, to prevent joy-riding.
The transport of goods is prohibited, except in order to test a vehicle, when only ballast or similar material, which must he returned to the place of loading, may be carried,
On one occasion when an operator sent a vehicle under a limited trade licence to tow in his salesman's broken-down car, it was found more convenient to carry the car than to tow it The result was that the operator was fined £2.
Forma to Fill Up.
In addition to plates, the council provides a book of duplicate forms, one of which must be filled up and carried by the driver, and a copy kept at the office.
Third-party insurance is, of course, compulsory for all vehicles used on the roads. The licence can be included in the operator's policy for a small additional premiuM.
There is no doubt that, to the man running a number of vehicles, the use of a limited trade licence is not only a great convenience, but also a considerable economy.