OPINIONS FROM OTHERS.
Page 27
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The --Mita). invites correspondence on all subjects connected with the use of commercial motors. Letters should be on one 'side of the paper only and typewritten by preference. The right, of abbreviation is reserved, and no responsibility for
rims expressed, is accepted.
Fines in Bedfordshi e.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[2135,1 tSir,—With referenee to our original letter in your columns and subsequent letters to you and direct to us, we beg to hand you herewith copy of a letter addressed to the Home Secretary to-day, which we shall be very glad if you can publish.We feel it essential that strong representations should continue to be made to prevent this unfair victiniizatioin of motor transport drivers.—Yours faithfully, For and -on behalf of
KEITH 'AND BOYLE (LONDON), LTD.. ERIC MONRMAN, Manager. London, S.E. 11.
Letisnr.] March 14th, 1923. His Majesty's Secretary for Home Affairs, The Home .Office, Whitehall, S.W. Sir,—We recently had occasion to voice a-complaint to onesof the leading motor papers regarding the excessively heavy fines levied upon motor drivers (heavy) for minor offences in the county of Bedfordshire, and so many firms have written us of their own -or their drivers' victimization that we feel that formal complaint should be made to the proper quarter.
We give you below a few of the cases that have been bronght to our notice; and without further comment would only draw your attefition to the fact that in practically every ease it is the unfortunate driver, on a wage of from £3 to £4 a week, who is the sufferer, as most firms in the motor transport -industry do not hold themselves liable for fines incurred by drivers. October 4th, 1922—Luton. Exceeding 12 m.p.h., fine £5.
October 13th, 1922—Hockliffe. Ditto. fine £7. December 23rd, 1922—Luton. Numberplate insufficiently illuminated, fine £5.
-January 3rd, 1923—Dunstable. Obstruction: (The lorry was stopped for a short time on the mail road outside the town at midnight I), fine 25s. 6c1.
January-16th, 1923—Leighton Buzzard. Ekceeding 12 m.p.h., fine £7. January 17th, 1923—Woburn. Ditto, fine £4 10s. We are ,e Sir,
Your obedient servants, (Signed) For and on behalf of
KEITH AND BOYLE (LONDON), LTD.,
ERIC MoNxisuot, Manager..
Rear. Lights On Cycles.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR. [2136] Sir,—I was very intere,sted in letter No. 2114 in your "Opinions from Others," contained in the issue of The Commercial Motor dated February 27th. The letter referred to rear lights on cycles and for cattle.
• As a motor driver and a cyclist, I feel I should like to give my opinion. The writer of the letter says he hopes it will be made compulsory to have rear • lights on cycles. To my mind, those people who constantly insist that rear lights on cycles are essential are of the type known to the public as "road hogs." I admitthat when D.O.It.A. was in operation it was essential for the safety of the public, but in these days I consider it most unnecessary.
Again, I think that the chief solution of the problemis that no motor lorry should be allowed on the road at night-time without adequate lights. Anyone driv
ing a vehicle with good lights at night is bound to admit that. objects are plainly discernible 505:yards away, whether they be cyclists, cattle, or pedestrians. Surely it is possible to-pull up and avoid accidents in this distance. Where there are country roads with innumerable turnings the drivers should proceed most cautiously.
If a lorry with bright lights is overtaking a cyclist,, the -lastsnamed eau usually see the bright rays. It the roads. are muddy and narrow, those who are wise will dismount to let the vehicle pass.—Yours faith.
fully, F. STONE. Blandford.
Wanted: A Low, NarroW 2i-ton Tipper.
The Editor, TEE. COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[2137] Sir,—Would you mind publishing this inquiry in the next issue of The Commercial Motor for the names of makers of commercial tipping vehicles--low chassis, with 21 tone approximate carrying capacity, and having a maximum width approximating to 5 ft. 6 ins. ?
The information would be welcomed by many, as the ordinary commercial vehicle of the :War Department type especially, is too wide. and too high for filling by hand labour. 'My inquiry is for a vehicle for the building trades' and public works' contractors, Although I take your paper regularly, I have not yet seen anything ,of the kind advertised—Yours faith-._ fully, (per pro.) J. S. EARNSHAW,
Stockton-on-Tees. C.T.
Unjust Taxation.
The Editor, THE COMMERCIAL MOTOR.
[21381 Sir,—As nothing or little or nothing has been done regarding the "extermination tax on the motor trade" (namely, the unjust)orse-power tax in place of the fair petrol tax), and as there are tens of thousandsof good men directly or indirectly drawing the dole through the neglect of the Government to alter the present system of taxing this industry, might I respectfully suggest what I think Would be a good means of bringing the matter more prominently before the notice of Parliament, and not only'the Government's notice, but that of the man in -the street and practically every citizen of this country, namely, to have enamelled plates or cardboard show-cards to hang outside every showroom, garage, and repair shop, both in London and the provinces, worded as follows :— No hands required, but plenty of Work here were it not for the present form of Motor Taxation.
I am sure that every garage proprietor would be pleased to pay you handsomely for-his sign or show. card, and the exhibition of these Wduld,set millions talking and, perhap'
s a_few of out-Statesmen acting.
There are thousands upon thousands of second-hand Cars in garages throughout the country, most of which require repairing and renovating. These cars could easily be sold at fair market prices if there was a market, and this market could easily be made if the Chancellor of the Exchequer were to place a nominal -tax or make all cars of three. years or over tax free. :ft would also asSist the sale of new cars because agents would be in a position to take old. ones in part payment.—Yours faithfully,
E. W. LOVELY,
(Managing Director, E. W. Lovely and Go., Ltd.), Eastbourne.