Oil Company "Clean Up"
Page 60
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THE Oxford depot of Shell-Mex and B.P., Ltd., nearly made a clean sweep in the prizes awarded for the eliminating round of the Lorry Driver of the Year Competition at Kidlington Aerodrome last Sunday. Their gained the cup for the best performance, two class winners, two seconds, a third place, the team prize for the best three vehicles, and a special commendation for maintenance.
This triumph was explained by the transport manager, Mr. C. W. H. Mares, in one word—" Enthusiasm." The premier award was gained by one of their best drivers, D. Ayres, in a Dennis-Centaur Scammell.
The competition was promoted by Oxford Road Safety Organization. The marshals, who were 'members of the Oxford Driving Club, reported an improvement on last year's standards, which was an achievement under the wet and slippery conditions.
Two entrants to give exceptional displays on all three tests were J. E. Goldspink in a Leyland Comet fourwheeler, and Ayres, both of ShellMex and B.P.. Ltd. Goldspink had gained 482 marks and was leading the field up to the start of the articulated class. Then Ayres completed the tests and scored an equal number of marks. He gained the premier award by obtaining the highest marks above the average in his class.
This was a commendable achievement in the company of the skilled drivers in Class G, as the runner-pp in this class was R. D. Sykes, a popular class-winner for the third year running.
The tests, which began with a road route under observation, were completed by a record entry of 84 vehicles. Observers reported that only 10 vehicles were incorrectly placed when turning at a difficult point.
Judges reported an extremely high order of maintenance, and the cup for c20 the best-maintained C-licence vehicle was awarded to a Foden driven by
K. Lavington, of Tate and Lyle (Pease Transport. Ltd.), The best-maintained other vehicle was a Leyland driven by A. R. D. Harbottle, of B.R.S., Kidlington.
The first test of dexterity at the wheel was devised locally, and consisted of zigzag forward driving zod reversing around a line of barrels.. The second test, set by the national organizers, exacted penalties from a large number of drivers who, having 'estimated at a distance the width through which they could drive, paid for over-optimism on the reverse run.
The barrier in the kerb parking test (the equipment at Oxford and elsewhere was supplied, incidentally. by The Commercial Motor) received some rough treatment by one loaded lorry when reversing, necessitating the combined
weight of four officials to straighten it. However, this test revealed the greatest skill shown during the day.
Over 30 per cent, of the entrants gave completely correct answers to the questions on the Highway Code.
Many of the remainder failed to remember all of the eight cases in which it is not permissible to overtake another vehicle or the operations to perform when leaving a vehicle unattended at night.
RF.SULTS Class B, 15-19 ft.
I, R. Costar (Austin, G. H. Hutt, Headington). 399 marks: Class C, 19-22 IL 1, G. E, Jenkins (Bedford, Tate and Lyle, Ltd.), 456 marks; 2, F. M. Foreman (A.E.0 Shell-Mrs and B.P,), 453 marks.
Clam D., 22-25 it.
1, J. E. Goldsnink (Leyland, Shell-Men and B.P.. Ltd.). 482 marks: 2, G. A. Buckner (Austin. S.P.D., Ltd.). 475 marks.
Class E, Over 25 ft.
1, R. J. Plumb (A.E.C., B.R.S.), 481 marks; 2, K. Wiltshire (A.E.C., B.R.S.), 471 marks.
Class F, Articulated (Tractor Under 3 tons Unladen)
1, P. J. Pints (Bedford, Shell-Men mid B.P.. Ltd.), 458 marks; 2, M. ' Murphy (Bix1ford, Shell-Men and B.P., Ltd.). 457 raarks.•
Class G, Articulated (Tractor Over 3 tons Unladen)
Premier awnrd, D. Ayres (Dennis-Scammell, Shell-Mrs and B.P.. Ltd.). 482 marks: I. R. D. Sykes (Austin, B.R.S.), 443 marks; 2, E. MeCurklen (B.M.C.. 11.11,S.), 429 marks.
Class 1 (Service Vehicles)
1, Sgt. R. J. Brown (Austin K5, R.E.M.E.). 452 marks.