New Fuel Rationing Scheme
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.Basic and Supplementary Issues to be Compounded : Allowance for Seasonal Needs
rOUPONS are to be issued for a second period of fuel rationing, extending in the case of commercial vehicles for 16 weeks from April 8 to July 28. The allocation for express services, excursions and
tours and private hire will be not less than 75 per cent. of the normal consumption for the time of year. Works contract and school services will be given the same percentage (95) of normal consumption as stage services.
There will be no basic or supplementary, rations, as such, for goods vehicles, but a single assessment will be made for the period.. In most cases, it will be the amount allocated in basic and supplementary rations during the first period.
Coupons will be issued in two instalments each covering eight weeks. Where, however, only small amounts of fuel are involved—in practice, in cases where no supplementary ration was issued—a single issue will be made for the whole period. Every applicant will be told whether his allocation is for eight or 16 weeks.
A special reserve of fuel is to be established to meet seasonal requirements. In making applications, operators must explain any change in their requirements caused by a seasonal variation of work or other altered circumstances. Those who think they have sound grounds for .more should appeal first to the district transport officer and then, if necessary, to the Regional Transport Commissioner.
Form; from Commissioners
that, because of last year's bad summer, fuel allocations for public service vehicles in the second rationing period • should be assessed on the average consumption during both 1955 and 1956.
• it had also been agreed that form ZF.I 1 should be amended to enable operators' requirements for fuel for essential services to he more readily recorded.
The Association thought it might be necessary to re-examine the allocation of fuel supplies for peak traffic during the Whitsun holiday in June and in subsequent weeks.
Earlier, Lord Mills, Minister of
Power, had announced: It remains the Government's intention to remove petrol rationing as soon as practicable, but this depends on the assurance of .an adequate and regular flow of supplies and the possession of a working stock sufficient to ensure proper distribution. The Government think it prudent to proceed on the assumption that a further rationing period will be necessary and to make arrangements accordingly— although these preparations and the issue of new coupons will not prevent an earlier end to rationing should this prove possible."• The London and Home Counties Division of the Traders' Road Transport Association state that the South Eastern Commissioner will make a total allocation for the whole period of 16 weeks where the claim is for not more than 200 units. In the East Midland region the figure will be 300 units.
All fuel allocations' for the next rationing period will be based on the current issue, and appeals for greater allowances must be made quickly. Appeals should give details of estimated stocks, including coupons, which will be in hand on April 8.
Coupons for the new period will be clearly marked "petrol" or " dery " and will not be interchangeable.