Licensing Problems Elucidated
Page 57
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The 20th Article of the Series in which We Answer Typical Questions on Different Subjects Resulting from the Passing of the Road and Rail Traffic Act
Supplying Cars and Vans to Commercial Travellers.
(85) QuEsrioN : I am engaged in general hire work, and run a, small fleet of hackney landa,ulettes and a few light vans. I hire the light vans daily to commercial travellers. In this connection I shall be glad if you will supply the following information : What is the weight limit for a tax-free two-wheeled trailer? Are brakes necessary on this trailer? Are there special regulations concerning number plates or tail lamp?
I might require to tow this two-wheeled trailer with any one of four light lorries. Is there any regulation restricting the use of the trailer to one vehicle?
If this trailer be attached to a two-seater car and the whole outfit (with a driver) hired out to a commercial traveller carrying samples for show only what licence is necessary for the two-seater?
If the trailer, attached to the two-seater, be used for general work, what are the regulations forming the boundaries of its activities?
Is it legal for us to hire (with driver) a car with a hackney licence to a commercial traveller carrying samples for show only?
I wish the best commercial journal in the world every success.
ANSWER: The trailer tax has to be paid in respect of every trailer which is drawn by a goods vehicle, that is to say, a vehicle constructed or adapted for use and used for the conveyance of goods or burden of any description, whether in the course of trade or otherwise.
Regulation 53 of the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1931, as amended by the Regulations provides that brakes shall not be required on a trailer not exceeding 2 cwt. in weight unladen.
The general regulations with regard to number plates and tail lamps on trailers apply to all trailers, even if the weight unladen does not exceed 2 cwt. The trailer duty must be paid in respect of the vehicle which draws the trailer. Therefore, if the trailer is to be used with all your four lorries you will have to pay trailer duty in respect of each lorry.
A trailer drawn by a private car capable of carrying not more than seven persons does not require a carrier's licence, unless it be used for carrying goods for payment. If a trailer be attached to a motorcar which is not constructed or adapted for the conveyance of goods the horse-power licence duty has to be paid for the car, and trailer duty is not payable for the right to draw the trailer.
If the "general work," to which you refer, includes the conveyance of goods for others for payment, then a Class A licence will be required for the trailers, or if it covers the carriage of your own goods as well as the
carriage of the goods of others for payment, then you will require a Class B licence.
So long as the car is not constructed or adapted for the conveyance of goods, there is no objection to your letting it to a commercial traveller for hire with the driver under a hackney licence.
Building Up a Useful Service.
(86) QUESTION : During last September my partner and I started in business with a 30-cwt. van carrying furniture, etc., for local manufacturers. The business has worked up well, and we think of obtaining a 2-ton van later on. Will this be permitted after July 1? Do I apply now for a Class A " discretionary " licence for the vehicle we own?
ANSWER: In your case we think that the best procedure would be to apply for Class A " discretionary" tonnage licence for the 30-cwt. vehicle you own, and, at the same time, apply for " discretionary " hiring allowance sufficient to cover the 2-tonner which you contemplate buying. If this hiring allowance be granted, you would, later, be able to ask for a variation of the licence to be made to include the larger vehicle at the expense of the hiring allowance.
Using a Private Car for Carrying Agricultural Produce.
(87) QUESTION: I am running a five-seater touring car and sometimes use this for the local delivery of milk, eggs, etc. It is licensed as a private car. There are no alterations to the bodywork, but when carrying goods we remove the rear cushion. Am I compelled to take out a Class C licence?
ANSWER: We do not consider that the mere temporary removal of a cushion would render your touring car subject to the provisions of the goods-vehicle licensing system.