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OPERATING ASPECTS

26th May 1931, Page 62
26th May 1931
Page 62
Page 62, 26th May 1931 — OPERATING ASPECTS
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

of Passenger Transport

Latest News from the Various Traffic Areas

DETERMINED FIGHT BY THE M.H.C.S.A.

The Road Traffic Act and London Passenger Transport Bill Engage the Association's Energies T"general conditions which ...he Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner proposes to attach to road service licences stipulate Traffic Act speed limits, the picking-up of passengers only at specified• points, the carrying of time and fare tables on the vehicles, and minimum single and return fares of is. and is. 6d. respectively.

Considerable discussion amongst affected operators concerning the attitude of the Commissioner has taken place, and at an emergency meeting of the general management committee of the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association, held on May 18th, resolutions were passed deprecating the policy adopted in the administration of the Road Traffic Act and determining to fight every act of oppression and restriction practised under the guise of regulating and co-ordinating passenger' traffic.

A letter was sent on the same day to the Minister of Transport, drawing attention to the Metropolitan Commissioner's interpretation of the Minister's directions, particularly those relating to the restricted streets under the London Traffic Act. The letter complained that the Commissioner is enforcing the various orders without affording the proper consideration to public convenience and to the continuation of the applicants' businesses, the effect thus produted beingnot compatible with the efficient operation of the services.

It was pointed out that, as licence applications are now being dealt with, conditions are being attached to licences which will prevent the completion of contracts already entered into for the convenience of the public, owing to the impracticability of 'advising ticket holders of compulsory alterations in picking-up and setting down points within the Metropolitan traffic area. The Minister of Transport was asked in the letter to direct the Commissioner to withhold restrictive measures as regards the picking-up and setting-down of passengers until, at the earliest, October 30th.

The M.H.C.S.A. is also engaged in fighting the London Passenger Transport Bill before the Joint Committee of the Lords and Commons, the association being represented by Mr. Arthur Moon, K.C., assisted by Mr. P. B. ;:i'howan. Proprietors of independent bus services outside the Metropolitan Traffic Area but within the London Traffic Area will. under this Bill, have to apply to the proposed London Traffic Board for permission to run, and such permission may not be granted. It is hoped, there. fore, that all operators in the belt surrounding the Metropolitan area who will be affected by Clause 13 of the Bill, and. who are not as yet members of the M.H.C.S.A., will communicate with the secretary of that body at 72, Great Portland Street, London, W.1, with a view to assisting the association to fight their battle for them.

In our issue for last week we published an editorial article drawing attention to the need for one central association in London to represent the independent passenger-vehicle operators throughout

the country. Due to the impracticability of bringing to fruition the alms of the recently formed National Advisory Council of Independent Public gervice Vehicle Owners Association, a meeting of this council was held recently, when a resolution was carried dissolving it and, following this meeting, a resolution in the following terms has been carried by the general management committee of the M.H.C.S.A., the object being to provide machinery for the direct affiliation of provincial associations, the scope of which is necessarily limited: (1) Every association applying for affiliation to pay annually the sum of 10s. per member to the M.H.C.S.A. (2) Each local association to have the right of one representative upon . the management committee of the central body. (3) The ISI.H.C.S.A. to furnish such information to each affiliated association as• it now does to its members. (4) The M.H.C.S.A. to supply, free of all cost, no more than 25 copies of the Motor Cotacit and Onanunts Review to each affiliated association. (5) The monies received by way of affiliation fees to be paid into the general funds of the M.H.C.S.A. (6) The rate per member due to be paid by an affiliated association to be subject to revision from time to time.

The secretary of the association points out that the machinery is now ready for provincial bodies which wish to affiliate themselves to the central unit, and reminds operators that the work which it is undertaking affects the welfare of road services everywhere


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