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Q As a coach operator I understand that iris possible to

22nd November 1968
Page 69
Page 69, 22nd November 1968 — Q As a coach operator I understand that iris possible to
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

carry goods in a 12-seat p.s.v. outside carriers' licensing provisions, providing the seats are not removed. Is this practice still permissible under the new Transport Act? Also are we still permitted to tax the vehicle as a hackney carriage?

AIt is indeed possible to carry goods for

hire or reward in a minibus without a carrier's licence. The Road Traffic Act 1960 Section 164 (1) which provides for carriers' licensing refers specifically to goods vehicles. Regarding the lighter type of minibus the point is now of somewhat academic interest as the new Transport Act frees all vehicles not exceeding 30cwt unladen weight from carriers' licensing provisions. However, the case law on the subject is of interest, and in many instances still relevant.

During the 1962-3 period several minibus operators applied for carriers' licences. In one such case Roy Bowles Transport Ltd. Hounslow, which had built up an extensive air freight service using minibuses. appealed to the Transport Tribunal against the refusal of the Metropolitan LA to grant B licences in respect of a number of such vehicles to work within a limited radius of base. After much deliberation, including reference back to the LA, it was held that only "goods vehicles" or vehicles adapted for the carriage of goods could be specified in a carrier's licence. Many carriers objected to Bowles' original application on the grounds that if B licences were granted to cover strictly dual-purpose vehicles with seats in situ, such vehicles could eventually be replaced by ordinary vans of similar unladen weight but with Much greater carrying capacity.

As regards the new Transport Act, although you can continue to use your minibus for the carriage of goods for hire or reward it must be emphasized that much competition can be expected from small van operators.

Hackney carriages will continue to be taxed at the existing rates and such rates will apply even if your vehicle is sometimes used to carry goods,

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Organisations: Transport Tribunal

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