B.R.S. Hand Over to Free Enterprise
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
LIVESTOCK haulage in Whitehaven .1-4 has been abandoned by British Road Services and the work has been handed back to private enterprise.
This was made clear at a hearing of the Northern Licensing Authority in Carlisle, last week, when Mr. Frank Coates, of Howgate, Whitehaven, applied for a B licence for two vehicles to carry livestock any distance and other farm requisites to southern Scotland and northern England. The applicant was an established haulier before his fleet of four lorries was nationalized. His premises were used as a unit by B.R.S. and he took the post of livestock foreman.
Early this year, Mr. Coates resigned his position and in a letter dated March 19 sent to all customers, the Road Haulage Executive stated that it was considered impracticable to appoint a successor and transport facilities would he withdrawn as from April 4. Impending denationalization also influenced this decision.
Mr. T. H. Campbell Wardlaw, for Mr. Coates, said that local farmers wer'e virtually left without livestock haulage facilities. Twenty one had left their haymaking that day to support the application.
The R.H.E. and the Railway Executive lodged objections. Mr. G. J. Flenley, R.H.E. Carlisle depot manager, said that the Executive had two lorries at Howgate during the past three months, but no demands for them from farmers.
The Authority said that he could well understand this, in view of the circular letter. B.R.S. had "thrown in their hand" and practically handed back the work to Mr. Coates.
The application was granted.
SUPERPOISE WITH R6 ENGINE
PERKINS R6 108 b.h.p: oil engines are now available in the Commer Superpoisc 5-tanner and the 8-ton and 10-ton tractor models. This type of engine is an alternative to the Cominer petrol and Perkins P6 oil engines, and a vehicle incorporating it costs £395, plus £82 5s. purchase tax, more than a standard petrol-engined chassis.
A larger clutch and sturdier propellershaft joints are fitted to accommodate the increased engine output, and the rear axle ratios are arranged to yield full benefit from the higher torque. A heavy-duty two-speed axle with electrically operated shift control is standard in the 10-ton tractor fitted with the Perkins R-type engine, and is an optional extra in the 5-tonner and 8-ton tractor.