News of Municipal Activities
Page 35
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Railways Object to Municipal Varcels Services.
The L.M.S. Railway Co. is, we understand, threatening to take action against Oldham Corporation in respect of its parcels-delivery services. The company alleges that the corporation, both on its own account and as an agent for and under arrangements with roadtransport contractors, is engaged in the business of general carriers and apparently supplies and utilizes road vehicles as a means for transport other than those authorized by its special Acts.
It is complained that the corporation does not restrict itself to the limitations imposed by the Acts as regards the size or weight of the parcels which may be carried on the authorized services.
The L.M.S. strongly objects to the application of the rates (to which it is a large contributor) to the carrying on by the corporation of a general-carriers' business in direct competition with it. Oldham Corporation is called upon to give an undertaking within 14 days (under threat of High Court action) to discontinue the carriage, collection or delivery of goods or parcels by motorbus, tramcar and trolley vehicle, unless expressly provided for by the Corporation's Acts.
In connection with this matter, it is interesting to learn that the tramways committee of Leeds Corporation recently considered the warning which the L.M.S. and L.N.E. railway companies have sent out to the Leeds, Bradford and Manchester authorities, as well as those at Oldham, on this question. After discussing the letter received from the railways, the committee authorized the town clerk and tramways general manager to confer with the companies.
Corporation Refuses to Accept Railway Condition.
Swansea Highways Committee met to consider the proposed filling-in of the Great Western Railway Co.'s canal near High Street Station, to make an improved road to the committee's depot at Pipe House Wharf. It was explained that under the North Dock abandonment scheme the G.W.R. agreed to allow the council to have land for the construction of the proposed road, provided that it was given back if required for station improvements.
Now, however, in a supplementary agreement, the G.W.R. wished to insert a clause providing that, in the event of a new roadway to the depot being built on railway-owned land, all goods going to the depot from any point outside a radius of ten miles, should be carried by the G.W.R.
Members of the committee pointed out that this would preclude the full use of the municipal motor lorries. It was decided not to accept the clause, but to negotiate further.