Passing Comments
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AN example of the unnecessary inconvenience that is often caused by thoughtlessness is provided by a recent licence application to the Eastern Traffic Commissioners, which was opposed by an operator who did not attend the hearing to substantiate his objection. The applicant stated that he had been compelled to travel 60 miles to the sitting, whereas, had there been no objection to his proposal, this long journey would have been unnecessary. This is only one case of a number that has occurred in different localities throughout the country. A_ FEATURE of the police treatment of hauliers
in regard to small offences is that, in one way, it often unfairly favours the owner of only one or two lorries. A haulier summoned for overloading or overspeeding is sometimes questioned as to previous convictions. Naturally, a company with a big fleet is more likely to have to admit to previous offences, and often it happens that this is considered without regard to the number of lorries operated. it is a point which should always be brought forward at police-court proceedings in order to avoid an unjustified stigma. WITH the appointment of three divisional organ izers to superintend the activities of the Road Haulage Association throughout the country, hauliers interested in the question of their own future welfare will find increased scope for development of the membership and solidity of purpose of this important national body. Every support should be afforded to the organizers in their efforts on behalf of the industry.
WE have repeatedly held that nothing but im proved service would reclaim for the railways traffic lost on the road ; reduced fares and lower freight rates are not the real remedy. Figures relating to the newly electrified London-Brighton line provide supporting evidence. A census has shown an increase in passenger traffic of between 3 per cent. and 4 per cent, in the past 12 'months, and of about 20 per cent. In the past eight years. On Easter Monday nearly 50,000 people travelled on the line, an increase of 127 per cent, on the figure for the previous Easter Monday. IN reputable circles the opinion is expressed that, if the Stock Exchange expects an improvement in railway stock values due to the effects of the Salter Report, by way of the Road and Rail Traffic Bill and the Budget, it is likely to be mistaken. Several stalwarts of our industry consider that the improvement in its organization, brought about by railway agitation, will further strengthen the arm of road transport against the rail.
ON a recent journey westwards along the Bath road, we observed, on every long down grade, a single skid mark, extending from the top to the bottom of the hill. Presumably these were caused by a locked trailer wheel, which, through lack of adjustment or some mechanical fault, must have been doing the main part of the braking for the whole outfit: with considerable damage to the -tyre. These marks on the road surface struck us as an object lesson in the unwisdotn of neglecting to give the brakes on trailer wheels the small amount of attention they require.