Confidence Being Restored
Page 33
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THE whole industry of road transport, possibly, with the exception of the passenger-transport side, which is practically stabilized, has been for a number of years in a state of constant perturbation. This was caused first by doubts as to the coming legislation, which too.k the form of the Road Traffic Act, 1930, and the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, and, later, resulted from the difficulties and doubts which were practically the outcome of these two major items of legislation.
Now nervousness is felt concerning the report of the Transport Advisory Council in respect of co-ordination. We believe, however, that the industry has little to fear with regard to its ultimate position in the general scheme of transport. What co-ordination is to be effected will be almost exclusively in relation to rates, and should prove more beneficial than otherwise. Rate-cutting is a canker, the removal of which should do much towards placing road transport on a sound and more economic footing whilst permitting better vehicles and more adequate maintenance.
To a great extent it is a closed industry and, consequently, one which should provide excellent opportunities for those who are already engaged in it, with, we hasten to add, the proviso that they must be of good behaviour, otherwise they will soon find themselves on the wrong side of the wall, with their vehicles as white elephants.
The measures to be taken following the Baillie Report will also go far to prevent that uneconomic operation which results from ,the payment of low wages. These matters were reflected in the spirit observable at the National Road Transport Conference, concluded last Wednesday, which was one of what we might term cautious optimism. There was, in general, a feeling that the industry has surmounted its greatest difficulties and might now look forward to that degree of stability which becomes an important business.
The haulage side must, however, be encouraged by the further security of extended licensing periods, which were promised by the late Minister of Transport, and for the granting of which The Ministry has received the necessary powers. Pressure should be applied by the associations concerned, to ensure that these extensions be put into force at the earliest possible moment.