Unsatisfied Demand for Coaches
Page 40
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Boe. using the majority of their vehicle journeys to popular destinations outside peak periods, Martin's Coaches, Ltd., Salford, created an unsatisfied demand at holiday times, the North Western Traffic Commissioners were told last week. Mr. H. Backhouse claimed that Martin's were using this as evidence to gain an increased allowance to other destinations, which would enable them gradually to divert vehicles to the popular resorts when everyone was fighting for traffic.
Mr. 13ackhouse was appearing for J. W. Fieldsend, Ltd., Salford, who objected to Martin's application to increase their vehicle allowance from nine to 11 for three weeks in July and August, and to pick up and set down passengers at Prestatyn on period return journeys to Rhyl.
British Railways and the North Western Road Car Co., Ltd., also objected.
Mr. E. A. Whitehead, for the applicants, said they were limited to 14 journeys a year to Rhyl, compared with Fieldsend's 33. Their total allocation was 258 journeys to eight destinations, compared with 540 and 12. Because only the popular destinations would book up outside the peak periods they had to ration them over the season, u32 while Fieldsend's could easily fulfil the holiday demand and keep vehicle journeys for the non-peak periods.
The present application would have been made on renewal but for the fact that Fieldsend's obtained an advantage this season when they were granted permission to pick-up and set-down at Prestatyn.
Parity Sought
Mr. G. H. P. Beannes, for British Railways, said the applicants and Fieldsend's were continually seeking parity with one another. There had been little practical evidence of difficulties caused to the public, which was the real test of need.
Mr. Backhouse pointed out that Fieldsend's, because of irregular linking, were penalized in 1955 by having their vehicle allowance reduced from five to four. Late last year they were granted an increase to seven, and no more increases should be granted until there had been a full season's operation.
Refusing ,the vehicle application, the chairman, Mr. F. Williamson, said it was premature until they were able to assess the effect of the additional vehicles granted to Fieldsend. The Prestatyn variation would he granted as sought.