More problems than savings
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THE TRTA has told the Ministry of Transport that the proposed interim changes in the vehicle registration and excise licensing pro;edure would lead to problems out of all proportion to the administrative savings which would accrue. Any amendments to the present system should await the implementation of the longterm plan for the centralization of licensing.
Strong objection is made by the Association o the proposal to increase the minimum period of I short-term licence from four to six months, without the provision of daily or even weekly .efund provisions. Attempts should be made to movide shorter term licences rather than extend he present minimum periods.
Without an exemption for Continental goods ,chicle operators (who already have to obtain a bur-month licence even for a one-day visit to this :ountry) the proposals could seriously jeopardise :he present valuable work which is being carried 3ut with regard to bi-lateral agreements and lead to far-reaching retaliation against British vehicles visiting the Continent.
Registration book entries should not be completely eliminated, says the TRTA, as apart from the licence disc they provide the operator with his only record of payments and renewal dates. They often also form part of the annual audit. As the appropriate rate of duty is quoted at the top of the book it is suggested that some saving might be achieved if the entry were restricted to the new renewal date.
Consolidation of the rates of duty payable for goods vehicles would adversely effect many operators, whilst others, but fewer, would stand to benefit. Detailed consideration of this proposal was impossible without specific excise rates.
As far as vehicles of less than one ton unladen weight are concerned the Association suggests that they should all be taxed at the private car rate. It is doubtful if the elimination of the +-ton divisions, as far as heavier vehicles are concerned, will lead to a worthwhile administrative saving. The advantages of simplification, which are more apparent than real, would not offset the disadvantageous effect on many licensees.
Powell Duffryn Display: An indoor display illustrating the applications of Dempster containerized waste and bulk materials handling and haulage equipment is to be staged at Brighton's Metropole Hotel by Powell Duffryn Engineering Co. Ltd., of Cardiff, from October 1 to November 3. During the exhibition Powell Duffryn will be screening its new film„"Municipal Wise—by Dempster".