LEFT HAND, RIGHT HAND? • H A1RD on the heels of
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the Oakey judgment, two recent applications at Carlisle are pertinent to the situation. S. and K. Smith Ltd., of Towtop, How Mill, Carlisle, sought a 4-vehicle B to A switch. Mr. C. G. Bevan, a partner in the firm, told the Northern deputy Licensing Authority, Mr. H. Bewick, that his B licence conditions permitted him to carry loads outwards for 250 miles "but we cannot transport anything on the return journey. If the licence was granted we would achieve greater flexibility".
Mr. Bewick said: "A request for this type of. licence merely to obtain a load on the return journey, is not a very strong reason for a change. I do not think his firm would or has suffered any inconvenience."
At the same hearing, an application by Mr. John Teasdale, of Becks Farm, Penruddock, Penrith, to transfer a vehicle on B licence to an A licence was granted. Mr. Teasdale said: "With the vehicle being under a B licence I have at times suffered inconvenience. An A licence can do the work of a B licence but not vice verSa."
He continued: "Recently I had to send an A-licensed vehicle down to Surrey. It was not fully loaded—this is uneconomic to me. I could not use the flat vehicle—which would have been economical—because of its limitations. Practically all my work", he concluded, "consists of hauling road and building materials and agricultural requisites."
Granting the licence, Mr. Bewick said: "From the evidence Mr. Teasdale has given, I am satisfied that he is suffering inconveniences. I am also satisfied the vehicles will be able to run more efficiently and economically now that the licence has been granted."
You pays your penny and you takes your choice! I do not for a moment suggest that the evidence in the cases cited was identical. The moral, in all such licensing bids seems to be clear. Whatever the difficulties, prepare the case thoroughly. Cite chapter and verse of all and every inconvenience caused by operating legally under the B licence conditions. Plead with supporting witnesses to itemize their complaints, and instruct them, if they can bear it, as to the difference between an A and a B licence.