Hauliers Want More News of Government Scheme
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Wl-IEN the new Government scheme for the control of long-distance road haulage was discussed last week by the Transport Section of the-.Bradford and District Chamber of Trade, a member told of a proviso which, he had been given to understand, would be included to safeguard the shortdistance haulier.
He said that, according to his information, measures were being taken to prevent the short-distance haulier from being penalized through the scheme's withdrawal of some of the vehicles now on long-distance work, He understood that vehicles thus withdrawn would not be permitted to carry traffic within the 60-mile limit at present laid down as the maximum for haulage not controlled under the scheme. The withdrawn lorries would be laid up until such time as the Government called upon the operator again to put them into service, and, in the meantime, the operat(Yr would receive from the Government payment in respect of the laid-up vehicles. Referring to a remark by Mr. Fred Pickering, hon. secretary of the Chamber, that apparently it was aimed to send as much traffic as possible by rail, Mr. Dennison, who presided, commented that judging by his own experience this policy was already being applied, even to short haulage.
Making a point that the industry should now have more information concerning the new scheme, Mr. Dennison said: " If this scheme is to come into operation by January 1 it is high time we knew what we are going to be called upon to do."
Mr. Poulter said that the uncertainty raised a problem as to the renewal of Road Fund licences. Unless longdistance operators soon knew where they stood, they might take out a licence to replace one expiring on December 31, only to find later that the vehicle had to he laid up. This would mean that they would have to surrender the licence and apply for a refund. Tlik vehicle-owner might thus be involved in a certain financial loss.