B.R.S. Apologize for Irregularities
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IN .complete contradiction to a sub'. mission by the Sheffield branch of B.R.S.(Parcels), Ltd. (reported on page 383) that they could operate foreignbased vehicles in Sheffield without authority, South Wales branch apologized at Cardiff, on Tuesday, for using unauthorized vehicles. Mr. G. H. P. Beames, for the British Transport Commission, did not take the Sheffield view that there was statutory authority for the undertaking to run foreign-based vehicles in South Wales. He admitted that there had been irregularities in using lorries from the Metropolitan, East Midland and North Western areas. Eight of the 115. vehicles operated by the South Wales branch had been brought in from other areas without notification, he said. This had been a complete oversight on the part of the area manager, who took full responsibility and wished to apologize and express regret. In extenuation, they pleaded that they had brought the matter to light themselves. In recent years calls on B.R.S. services had increased tremendously and II witnesses, from influential concerns would be called to detail the special needs which could be met only by the undertaking. Withdrawal of vehicles Would cause embarrassment and, in fact, additional vehicles were required. The applications concerned Cardiff, Newport and Skewen depots. At Cardiff it was sought to add three vehicles (9+ tons); at Newport, one tractor (2+ tons) and one -van (21 tons); and at Skewen, two vehicles (6+ tons) and one tractor (2i tons). All were in possession and were licensed in theMetropolitan, East Midland and North Western areas. They had been moved to South Wales at varying times between 1955 and 1957. In addition, it was sought to add three vehicles (9f tons) and two articulated outfits (13 tons) to the Cardiff licence, and one van (3+ tons) and one " artic " (61 tons) at Newport. If these were granted, seven vehicles (29+ tons) standing idle in the Yorkshire area would be surrendered. Mr. T. Corpe, represented the five independent objectors, Hill's Transport (Din as Powis), Ltd.; T.S.P. Transport, Ltd., Skewen; Entress Transport, Ltd., Gorseinon; Ross Garages, Ltd., Cardiff; and T. C. Cridland, Cardiff. He said that with regard to the eight unauthorized vehicles B.R.S. had not complied with their statement of intent. The B.T.C. had opposed other hauliers in South Wales for similar misdeeds and they had lost their licences. What was sauce for the goose was sauce for the gander, he added.
Mr. Reed replied that his branch had not objected to other hauliers and he was not responsible for the policy of other branches.
Mr. Corpc submitted that B.R.S.. Ltd., had often given evidence of vehicles standing idle and even unlicensed, The parcels group should hire from their sister company and pass traffic to British Railways before being granted additional vehicles. The hearing continued on Wednesday before the South Wales Licensing Authority.