Irish Hauliers Demand Freedom
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'THE Eire Road Transport Association I has sent a statement of policy to the Irish Premier, the Minister for Transport and Power, the Minister for Industry and Commerce and all Dail Deputies and Senators, demanding freedom of area; freedom of merchandise; freedom of vehicle weight and type; freedom to progress and expand, and freedom and encouragement for private enterprise.
The Association says that its members have a "very real" grievance and states: "We believe it is contrary to our Constitution which guarantees equal opportunity for every citizen, and we demand that the Government should review and revise the position of all hauliers at the very earliest moment."
Transport, the official journal of the Association, calling for a revision of the road transport system, says that the Road Transport Act which followed closely the British Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1932, was totally unsuited to Irish conditions. "As the years went by its shortcomings became more and more apparent. Nevertheless, after 28 years it is still the basic Act governing internal road transport. In 1933 the Government introduced new transport legislation to regulate transport and deal with the problems of the decreasing use of an ineffici
ent railway system. When the Bill became law the transport of goods in this country for reward was confined to the State transport undertaking and licensed carriers.
" The picture of road transport as we knew it in 1933 and as we know it in 1961 bears no resemblance. In 1933 the average journey by road was 25 miles and the average load about 21 tons. Today, to operate so as to earn a living in keeping with our improved conditions, a truck would need to carry at least 10 tons and be able to travel at least 120 miles."
NEW PACKHAM LIVERIES
ANEW livery has been issued to all drivers and handling staff of the Packham distribution concern, All road .staff have received blue boiler suits with the Packharn Service symbol embroidered in blue, lime green and black on the breast pocket, and waterproof-topped peaked caps with the Service symbol as a full colour cap badge.
Warehousemen receive a grey dust coat with the Service symbol embroidered on the breast pocket. Suits and coats are laundered and changed over by the company each week.
The staff concerned have welcomed this improvement in company presentation. From the management point of view the chairman, Mr. A. Packham, says he believes that the new outfits, together with the new vehicle liveries adopted this year, will be a good morale booster which will bring benefits to both the company and its customers.