Christmas Traffic Strains in London
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THE transfer of vehicles from short' distance delivery work in London to more profitable trunk haulage is causing an acute transport shortage during the pre-Christmas rush. Many traders are complaining about the difficulty of hiring and have decided to put their own vehicles on the road, writes a special correspondent.
Unless the situation is eased by the authorization of more vehicles under A licences, it seems that the number of ancillary vehicles will increase, to the aggravation of the congestion problem.
There were more contractors engaged upon local work in London before nationalization than today, but because many of them were primarily concerned with long-distance haulage they were acquired. When transport was denationalized, the short-distance vehicles did not return to their former work because the units were bought by operators interested only in trunk haulage.
Pressure upon short-distance operators is much worse than normally experienced at Christmas, probably because of the relaxation of the credit squeeze. For nearly a year they have been working to capacity. The current peak in traffic brings to light the absence of reserve capacity in A-licensed facilities.
Carriers are finding it impossible to sub-contract. A trader who employs a well-known parcels company told me that the contractor was so inundated with work that collections were several days late; deliveries were delayed even more.
Another haulier, who transports this trader's goods between various warehouses, has been asking that vans be booked at least a week in advance.