N.R.T.F. Report on Ferries
Page 26
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I-1 A REPORT on ferries has been prepared by the National Road Transport Federation for presentation to the Committee on Ferries appointed by the Minister of Transport, following an inVitation sent to it by the Minister in a letter dated Idly 12. Briefly, the points concerning the following ferries are:—
Torpoint: Fees should be abolished for commercial vehicles, as the ferry is the only means, for connecting road transport from Plymouth with Corn
wail. The route is a trunk road, and to charge tolls cannot be justified, whilst no tickets for checking costs are issued for retention by drivers. A third ferry boat is urgently required, and in rough weather the service is suspended. Steps should be taken to explore the possibility of arranging continuous operation.
Sallash: The half-hourly service is quite inadequate and the approaches, especially at low water, are a serious handicap. Waiting arrangements at the St. Budeaux side are bad. Another boat should be operated.
Higher Dartmouth: Provision should be made to cover breakdowns, as sometimes the service is withdrawn for as long as 10 days. The capacity of 'four goods vehicles is considered insufficient.
Lower Dartmouth to Kingswear: This service is unsuitable for commercial traffic and the approach is very bad.
Devon and Cornwall Area: In all cases, the use of ferries permits substantial savings in mileage, and the need for more modern methods is urgent.
Woolwich: This is efficiently run and any delays appear to be unavoidable; but the bridges need widening at the entrances; large vehicles have difficult; in turning without jumping or scrub. bins kerbs.
Gravesend-Tilbury: Loading and unloading arrangements are most unsatisfactory. The gangway runs at a steep angle at low water, is loose, manhandled, and retained by its own weight. As the front wheels of a vehicle leave the gangway, for the boat, the shoreward end of The gangway cants into the air, and has caused damage. The
charges are excessive and more reliable boats are required.
Beeehley-Aust: This is a most important link and it is hoped that the service will not be allowed to deteriorate now that the new Severn bridge is to be constructed.
Pembroke Nyland: The capacity • should be increased to carry gross laden weights of 10 tons. At present, lorries carrying sand have a journey of 40 road miles as against 9 miles if the ferry could be used. The approaches on the Pembroke side are bad.
NEW COMPANY TO PRODUCE TWO-SPEED AXLE
ANEW company, known as Eaton Axles, Ltd., has been formed to manufacture in this country an American design of two-speed rear axle. Rubery, Owen and Co., Ltd., Darlaston; E.N.V. Engineering Co., Ltd., London. N.W.10. and the Eaton Axle Manufacturing Co., of the U.S.A., are responsible for launching the concern.
Mr. T. R. Beady, M.I.A.E., M.I.M.L. M.S.A.E., formerly chief engineer of Tilling-Stevens, Ltd., has been appointed by the company to develop the axle.