Man the "Defence Lines"
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FOR some reason, which is difficult to trace or understand, that important. division of the Government Road Haulage Scheme, the "Defence Lines," has not received the support from the road-transport industry which it would appear to merit. This is despite the fact that the Government regards it as really a vital matter and one which would, at any time of great emergency, materially assist in obtaining just thoze types and classes of vehicle which would be most urgently required, so avoiding the delay and disorganization which would inevitably result if vehicles had to be specially selected and commandeered. The emergencies contemplated are heavy air raids at any point, and/or invasion, whether local or general.
Possibly it may be that commercial-vehicle operators have, like many others, neen rather inclined to believe that the chances of either or both these contingencies have lessened. This, however, is a dangerous attitude to adopt, and may be classed with the feeling of comparative complacency, indulged in by so many, which has hitherto appreciably assisted the enemy in his invasion of yarious countries.
Operators Should Do Their Duty It may well be that this part of the Government's scheme, so far as possible invasion is concerned, is not considered to be so vital or so likely to be needed as urgent transport work for other forms of emergency. Whatever be the chief reason, however, the Government's insistence up a its importance should be sufficient to persuade operators to register their vehicle's in the "Defence Lines," and thus perform what is their manifest duty, and this without any present inconvenience to themselves.
When submitting i heir registration forms they can, no doubt, assist the Transport Commissioners by adding a note pointing out whether it be the case that their vehicles are already liable to be called for some other urgent purpose. It will then be within the province of the Commissioners to decide which call should take precedence.
It should be remembered by all users, whether they be A, B or C licensees, that in a local or national emergency some or all of their vehicles might be put out of action so far as their ordinary duties are concerned, and yet would be of immense value in other directions. Therefore, their registration in good time is more likely to prove beneficial than otherwise to owners.
The number of vehicles entered so far is under 35,000—a very poor showing for our huge industry, and one which, loath as we are to say so, is bound to cause some reflection upon the patriotism of its members. Let us all, therefore, do what we can to prevent the creation of such an impression by enlisting vehicles in their hun dreds of thousands. If we look at the matter solely from the aspect of the industry's welfare, we should all take the view that any imputation as to its integrity may easily have deleterious effects upon the future treatment which may be • accbrded to operators.
Remove Stigma on the Industry . We know quite well that the Government is already disappointed with the response made to its many appeals for the full co-operation of the road-transport industry in this section of its Scheme, and we would most strongly advise operators to change their attitude as rapidly as possible, and Thus remove any possibility of the continuance of this stigma. After all, it is such a little matter so far as the commercial-vehicle user is concerned, and perhaps it is for this very reason 'that he has, generally, hitherto refrained from putting his back to this particular wheel.
There is, in our opinion, absolutely no reason to be in any way suspicious of the motives of the Ministry of War Transport in its endeavour, to obtain this voluntary co-operation on the part of vehicle owners ; in fact, rather the reverse should be the case, for pressure could quite easily have been applied, and the industry should regard it as, a compliment that it has, in a way, been placed upon its honour to provide an adequate number of available machines.
We appeal, therefore, to all our, readers to help in meeting the requirements of the Government in this respect. Those who do not actually possess vehicles can help by encouraging those who are owners, The various associations could do much to promote enthusiasm, whilst drivers, too, could arrange between themselves to put up spokesmen who could press for the incorporation in the " Defence Lines" of the vehicles in their charge.
Are We Getting the Best Out of Battery Vehicles ?
THE war, with the limitations which it has imposed upon our liquid-fuel resources, has necessarily turned attention to the possibilities lying in the development of vehicles which can employ sources of power indigenous to this country. Of such vehicles, the battery-electric constitutes one of the most promising from the point of view of general efficiency, as distinct from conversions, which we are being forced to utilize, although their employment involves a considerable loss of power and speed.
Unfortunately, although the battery vehicle has made considerable progress, the material supplies available for its production are not yet such as to make it a decisive factor in our road-transport system. Apart from this, it naturally has a limited scope, but, within this, it is an ideal means for transport, affording rapid acceleration, silent and smooth running, cleanliness and ease of maintenance.
The important point arises, however, as to whether we are making the most of the battery "fuel" available. We have doubts as to whether the present voltage which is now employed on the average vehicle in this class is sufficiently high. Here it lies between 60 and 72, whereas in some countries abroad, and, in fact, almost generally where such power is employed in road transport, the e.m.f. is much higher, rising to 160 volts in Sweden.'
There appear to be certain advantages and few, if any, difficulties in designing vehicles and their equipment to work to the suggested figure. Some electrically minded transport engineers believe that, by doing so, vehicles will be able to achieve a higher average speed and better mileage per charge, without any further degree of complica tion, which, in any, case, in the battery-electric is remarkably small. There seems to be no major difficulty in obtaining speeds of 30 to 40 m.p.h: and a battery capacity capable of giving 50 miles per charge. It is possible that some' of our'vehicle manufacturers have this matter under consideration. If so, it will certainly be extremely interesting to watch developments in this sphere. In the meantime, others may wish to express their views upon this question. The subject is of importance not only at the present juncture but in respect of the' future, when there should be ample scope for development.
Hitherto_ makers of these vehicles have not received any high degree of encouragement, except in respect of reasonably low taxation, yet certain important concerns have been successfully employing battery-electrics for many years, and their vehicles appear to be able to hold their own against the strong competition of other types, but this constitutes no reason why we should not break away from voltage tradition.