TORIES STEER CLEAR OF LONDON'S BUSES
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From our Political Correspondent
'THERE will be no GLC takeover of I. London's buses, and there will be no rush to appoint a "traffic dictator" to unravel the capital's traffic-clogged streets.
These were among the first messages to percolate from County Hall after a slightly stunned Tory Party began to take stock on assuming office, for the first time in 33 years, by a stunning majority.
The Traffic Commissioner idea is still "on". But he will almost certainly have to be given another title, and it will take a month or two before the new men in power have decided what his terms of reference will be.
There are committees, officials and councillors on whose toes it would be unwise for him to step; there is the question of the powers involved and the attitude of the Transport Minister toward them. There is the question of the man for the job—and it will also probably involve a study of the practice in America.
It all adds up to a delay in his appointment— but last weekend the -Tories indicated firmly that the appointment is among the priorities. The first objective is the appointment of a man and the definition of his powers and responsibilities. The end of July should bring more information on the subject.
It is taken for granted that the new political bosses of Greater London will want nothing to do with the operation of London Transport, and in particular with the saddling of its big bus debts. More links between London Transport and the Council certainly; more planning, more coordination. But any idea of a takeover—whether backed by Mrs. Castle or not—has so far left the Tories cold.
Another plan which is still very much "on". however, is the £53 million four-loop monorail system, covering 43 miles of London's congested heart.
10 MORE TERMINALS
TEN MORE Freightliner terminals are to be opened this year and the Railways Board is already drawing up proposals for Stage 2 of the development. Announcing this in the Commons, Mrs. Castle noted that all the terminals so far operating were handling containers brought in by private hauliers.
TEST CONCESSION
DRIVERS who pass the new heavy goods vehicle licence test will not need to sit another test before they can take cars on the road. Up to now the Road Safety Bill, which introduces the special heavy goods test, did not allow for this but the measure was altered when the Lord's were considering it this week.