Hauliers Uneasy About
Page 44
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Denationalization
Cabinet Considering Increase in Weights and Dimensions of Vehicles R.H.A. Conference Delegates Discuss Current Problems During High-speed Debate
by A. E. Sherlock-Mesher
UNEASINESS NEASINESS about denationalization was evidenced at the annual conference of the Road Haulage Association at Eastbourne, last week. It appeared in speeches and in private conversation among hauliers. Only Mr. F. Rudman, however, was bold enough to assert publicly that hauliers had been defeated by the Transport Act, 1953. Thousands of members, he said, would be unable to buy transport units.
Fear of competition from purchasers of transport units was expressed by some other speakers. It was to be seen in a discussion on the question whether holders of existing A and B licences should be granted immunity from objection by holders of special A licences for a period of five years.
Anomalies in the law were condemned and the makers of massproduced vehicles were subjected to heavy criticism.
In connection with a demand for greater gross weights and axle limits, Mr. R. Morton Mitchell, chief executive officer, announced that draft regulations proposing increased dimensions and weights were expected to have been published last month. In response to a request, the Minister of Transport had said that he could not receive a deputation on the subject, as a question of principle was involved arid was being considered by the Cabinet. It was an international matter.
The resolutions submitted to the conference by the areas did not necessarily represent agreed views and some of the proposers appeared to be "pressed men." They seem to have little confidence in t schemes that they propounded.
Nevertheless, under Mr. Berna Winte.rbottom's wise guidance, t conference proceeded at a sml pace and deadlocks were nea resolved by referring awkward qu tions to committees.