'No' to trial area
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LOTHIAN REGION h rejected Conservative cou cillors' suggestions that Ek. Lothian should become one the trial areas for the Govet ment's proposed freedom fr.( licensing controls.
The suggestion from t Lothian Region Conservati group was defeated by votes to four at a meeting the transportation committ last week. Although the id has still to be debated by tl full Regional Council ne month, this vote effective means it wants no change bus licensing arrangements.
The committee had bet asked by the Convention Scottish Local Authorities if wanted to put forward part the region as a trial area f( the removal of bus licensir controls. The Tory councillo. proposed a trial in East Lo hian, because they said, Scottish Bus Group had failE to provide an efficient servic there.
Committee chairmat Councillor Mrs Catherin Filsell, said there was no wa in which private operator would be prepared to tak over the unremunerative run routes which were at preset subsidised.
Councillor David Ramsa said the council had express& concern about the operation c the Scottish Bus Group servic in the landward areas of th region, but he felt the prob lems experienced now wouir be greatly aggravated by an relaxation of the licensinl system.