Enterprise in Transport
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We have, as an example of this, a that interesting type of machine, the mechanical horse, designed to utilize the original vehicle, but to be a substitute for the animal. In parts of India, the Rutway system of transport appears to be making some progress and may make considerable advances in the near future, although, in its main essentials, it is a reversion to a rail system which was developed before the present raised track came into being; but this would not be the first instance of an old and abandoned idea being revived and proving a success.
In connection with rail transport, there seem to be important potentialities in the employment of the pneumatic tyre in lieu of the metal tread. Experiments carried out in France by a company with a worldwide reputation have shown that railcars equipped in this manner can be run at greater speeds than those usually attainable by the ordinary train, and this with a reduction in vibration.
Only a year or two ago, the idea of the possibility of manufacturing a track chain for vehicle use which could operate for long periods and great mileages with ou t much wear and loss of efficiency would have been scorned, but now the employment of rubber-jointed links without metallic contact between the track plates has entirely changed the situation, and the abrasion when such a track is operating in gritty mud or sand is reduced to a factor which is almost negligible. This alone opens up an important sphere for the employment of track machines in areas of loose soil, sand or marshland, hitherto considered impracticable for mechanical transport. Page 300. * * * * • We have previously alluded to the success which Is being attained by the pneumatic tyre especially constructed to work with a very low air pressure, and there is little reason to doubt that the progress in this direction will .be maintained.
Spasmodic efforts have been made to design amphibian vehicles. So far, such attempts in this direction have been mainly concerned with the production of machines to be utilized as novel pleasure craft which will prove remunerative to their owners, but this phase may only be the forerunner of far-reaching attainments.
The Position of the London Passenger Transport Bill.
MITE new Parliament which is to meet on November 10th will undoubtedly be very fully engaged for a considerable period in its endeavours to improve the trade and financial situation, the urgency of which will unquestionably delay the passage of some measures, including the London Passenger Transport Bill. It had already been decided to carry this over to the new Parliament, in which it will be considered from the stage at which it was left at dissolution. Consequently, more time is now available for the marshalling of oppositiot to the Bill, and it is apparent that efforts are already being made in this direction.
It cannot be denied that the rapid progress made so far with the Bill has been due mainly to the energy and ability of Mr. Herbert Morrison, supported by Lord Ashfield. It Is, to a great extent, a socialistic experiment, devised, no doubt, in accordance with the general scheme for eventually obtaining Governmental control of all transport. It was obviously viewed with great disfavour by the shareholders in the Underground Group who attended the meeting at which Lord Ashfield had practically to stake his position as chairMan in order to obtain their support for the measure.
The London County Council has never been completely satisfied with the state of affairs, although it provisionally agreed upon the terms for the acquisition of the tramways, but It has strongly opposed the suggested constitution and powers of the Transport Board, which, It considers, will afford no adequate security for the interests of the travelling public. Amendments have been tabled suggesting a preferable constitution, and if these be not accepted the Council will use every effort to secure the rejection of the Bill, for it is convinced that the interests of the London public will be placed at the autocratic mercy of a small group of individuals not responsible to the public, or to any important extent to the Minister of Transport. We have always been of the opinion that competition makes for better service to the public at reasonable fares, and we still believe that satisfactory measures of co-ordination could be arranged without forming such a colossal monopoly.
The Mobile Police as Agents . Provocateurs.
ATETHODS of a very provocative nature are .&Y1. beingemployed in some parts of the country in trapping drivers of commercial vehicles who have exceeded the speed limit. One method is for a member of the mobile police to ride in front of a commercial vehicle, forcing it to travel at a very low speed for stme miles ; after this, the policeman accelerates. The lorry driver, who has, for some time, been kept much below the permissible limit, endeavours to make up for the time lost, when he is suddenly overtaken by another traffic officer and at once accused of having exceeded the limit.
Drivers are also sometimes subjected to a roadside cross-examination which almost amounts to an application of the third degree. They are asked for the fullest particulars of their work, such as the number of deliveries to be made, the time at which they commence and finish duty, and the number of miles they cover during the day; even the duty sheet may be examined.
As showing the futile questions sometimes put, one driver was asked why a` near-side mirror was fitted to his cab. Presumably, the patrol man thought this was in order to enable the driver to see him coming; actually, it was to permit the driver to see if the van boy was safely aboard the vehicle. Surely these motor-equipped police can find ample work to do in checking dangerous driving without persecuting men who are earning their livelihood on the road.