Long-distance Vehicles on Shortdistance Work
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AORE grumbles by Yorkshire
hauliers because they were being unfairly deprived of short-distance traffic by the M.O.W.T, Road Haulage Organization were heard at a meeting of the Heavy Woollen District Transport Association, in Dewsbury, last week, During complaints about R.H.O. vehicles said to be carrying such traffic, although short-distance hauliers were able to do the work, it was asserted that controlled vehicles particularly suited to long-distance work were being used for short-distance jobs involving loads considerably less than their carrying capacity.
It was recalled that, to obviate any difficulty which the R.H.O. might have in contacting short-distance hauliers locally for the purpose of placing traffic, the Association suggested an arrangement whereby one of the members would act as liaison officer for the receipt of R.H.O. instructions. This suggestion was stated to have been acted upon for a time by the R.H.O., but the amount of short-distance traffic received was reported to have been comparatively small.
In support of the contention that it was unfair for the R.H.O. to employ long-distance vehicles for short-distance traffic when hauliers' uncontrolled lorries were available for the work, the point was made that the control scheme was.introduced as a means for saving vehicle tyres and fuel by minimizing long-distance haulage. As financial provision p.as made for the laying up of a proportion of the long-distance vehicles, it was argued that the R.H.O. was not justified in switching such lorries on to short-distance work.
In cases where an operator had habitually carried particular classes of short-distance traffic before It came within the Ministry's jurisdiction, it was emphasized that an R.H.O. ruling obtained by the Association provided that the operator still had a prior claim to it. Any member losing such traffic was, therefore, strongly advised to make representations to the Area Road Haulage Officer. One speaker said he had already done so with success.
A member's remark that cartage work for the railway companies provided a redeeming feature in the shorthaulage position locally evoked the comment that the rates paid for this work should be improved. 'This prompted a suggestion that R.H.O. rates should also be increased, It was decided to bring the complaints concerning the R.H.O. and short-distance traffic before the Yorkshire Regional Hired Undertakings Committee.