DEAR
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SIR
• CLUES WANTED IN LOST WHEEL MYSTERY All transport operators are aware of the "lost wheel mystery" and the current research being conducted by such august bodies as the IRTE and MIRA to find a solution.
To add to the problem, I also find that as a consulting engineer who is often called upon to testify for the defence in the courts, there is a considerable variation in the attitudes which the magistrates adopt when dealing with this type of charge. As a consequence, although a "lost wheel" is an absolute offence, the court's decision can range from total exoneration to a severe fine for both the driver and the company. Taken in a global context, this is somewhat unfair, especially as the latter • BCC SPILLS IT OUT I wish to correct a misleading statement in your news report, "BCC boss stands down" (CM 7-13 July).
Your report claims that BCC is not providing value for money — this is untrue. Indeed at the May meeting referred to it was demonstrated to those present that on four BCC activities alone, an oper could jeopardise an 0-Licence renewal.
However, as the courts are greatly influenced by the precedents of past judgements, if they can be established by the defence. It would be of considerable value to our industry for the outcome of previous hearings to be collated into some tangible form, so they could be cited in mitigation by any operator who is unfortunate enough to be charged with a "lost wheel" offence.
As I am currently undertaking this task, may I appeal to anyone who has been so prosecuted to assist? What I require is a brief outline of the circumstances, the vehicle make, model and GVW, and the position of the detached wheel. I also need the name of the court, date of the hearing, and ator gained about a 20-fold return on his annual subscription.
The discussion on subscriptions, which was but one of a number of matters, related to the methods by which it might be levied, to reflect more closely the usage made of various facilities by different members.
Irwin Dalton
Bus & Coach Council. the penalty imposed or other outcome of the trial. I would also like to hear of any incidents where the police were initially involved but they did not prosecute, as a measure of their overview of the problem.
From the information received and my own research I will produce a statistical analysis which I will make freely available by general publication. All information given will be treated in the strictest confidence, and I stress my unequivocal assurance that nothing discreet will be passed to a third party.
S E Thomas
"Tramways".
Wolverhampton Rd, Penkridge.
Staffordshire ST19 5AQ. Tel: (078571) 3862
• PARCELS SURVEY I was very interested to read your 1988 Parcels Survey (CM 7-13 July) and to consider the results of the task you set each of the carriers.
Unfortunately, United Carriers is not included in this survey (but I am sure you will put that right in your next survey). On the other hand, we were very pleased to see one of our vehicles (even though it is our old livery) featured on the front cover, representing what I took to believe the first past the post. Not bad really for somebody who wasn't even included in the starting line-up, or perhaps, it means that our service is so quick that not even your reporter can write fast enough to keep up with us.
Thanks for the free advert, I'll make sure you get some transparencies of our new gleaming white livery for inclusion in further editions.
I J Dodd
United Carriers, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
One of the carriers tested in this year's Parcels Survey used United Carriers for its delivery. Wt could find no mention of United Carriers in the Cardigan Yellow Pages telephone directory, but we will endeavour to use the company, if available, next year. Ed.
• NOT ONE MILLION I was concerned to note your report re: Mrs Frederika Miles v Midlands British Road Services of the award made to Mr; Miles (CM 30 June).
Contrary to the impression created in your report I have to inform you that the total sum awarded to Mrs Miles and her children together was £682,892 which, although a record, was considerably lower than the sum of £1 million referred to in your report, even taking into account legal costs. Barry Prior,
Wedlake Saint, Solicitors, 14 John St, London.