LICENSING AND REGISTRATION.
Page 22
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Licence Holders : Where They Should be Fixed, and Types which are particularly Suitable for Commercial Purposes.
THERE STILL appears to be considerable doubt amongst many users of commercial motor vehicles as to the positions where the new licence holders are permitted by law to be fixed or can, in practice, be fixed. Many of the articles published in the Press have contained erroneous advice on this subject, with the result that the poor user is becoming more and more confused. The matter is really quite simple if one starts by considering the wording of the instructions contained in the memorandum issued by the Ministry of Transport.
For all mechanically-propelled vehicles other than motorcycles, the licence card and holder must be fitted "in a conspicuous position on the near side of the vehicle, on or attached to the windscreen, or on the outside of the fore portion of the vehicle in line with the driver's seat (or, in the case of a heavy motorcar or locomotive, in line with the footplate); and visible at all times, by daylight, to an observer standing at the near side of the vehicle—whether the vehicle is moving or stationary,"
These instructions allow of little argument. To begin with, the near side of the vehicle is expressly stated, and yet, in one journal, we find a diagram showing a holder fitted on the off side of the -windscreen, which is certainly not within the meaning of the law. Next, we have the limitation that, if the holder is not actually attached to the windscreen at the near side, it may be fastened on the outside of the fore portion of the vehicle in line with the driver's seat. This certainly does not mean on the outside of the door, as, in the majority of vehicles, the door is not in line with the driver's seat.
In the majority of commercial motor vehicles. it will apparently be most convenient to attach the holders to the windscreen, or the stanchions supporting the front portion of the driver's cab where windscreens are not provided. The holder must be visible from the near side and must, therefore, either face towards this side or be carried at an angle not too great to permit of its being clearly visible from there. Most side lamps are carried on brackets bolted to the windscreen, and the socket of the lamp bracket provides a very convenient position and method of fitting for certain types of holders, such as that marketed by Car Fitments Ltd., 6, Hanover Square, London, W. ca r Fitments Ltd., are manufacturing the rectangular type with the above
fitting.
In the case of heavy motorcars or locomotives, it is permissible to attach the holder in line with the footplate, but in this position we are up against certain difficulties. Take, for instance, the Foden wagon : this vehicle has no door or cab side to which a, holder can be attached, and, for the protection of the driver, a waterproof apron is often used for covering in this space. This will almost certainly obscure any holder fitted on a level with the footplate, and it would be better in this and in certain other types of vehicles, such as the Atkinson, Sentinel, and Robey, to carry the holder on the cab stanchions.
Certain steam wagons have a door or cab side on which the holder can be fitted, but, in many eases, they are liable to damage from kicks when the driver and his mate are climbing into the cab, and when positioned here they should be adequately protected from breakage, although it must be remembered that whatever means of protection is afforded must not obscure the licence.
When the holders are attached to the windscreens of motor vehicles they may either project forward or to the rear, and, with certain types of vehicles, such as the Maudslay six tonner, if arranged to project to the rear, each holder should be provided with a spring hinge which, while allowing the holder to swing back if the driver knocks against it while entering the cab, will cause it to swing back to its normal position directly the pressure is removed.
Something like 80 manufacturers are producing, or preparing to produce, licence holders, but not all of these are suitable for commercial vehicles. Amongst those makers who are turning out holders for commercial vehicles are :—S. Smith and Sons (M.A.), Ltd., 179-185, Great Portland Street, W. 1.; A. J. Dew and Co. 21-25, Endell Street, W.C. 2; Car Fitments Ltd! 6, anover Square, W.; Gratze, Ltd., 44-46, Wli Hitfield Street, W. 1.; A. W. Garnage, Ltd., Holborn, E.0 1 and the Central Aircraft Co, 179, High Road, Kilburn, N.W. 6.
The majority of the manufacturers produce licence holders in various different types, arid many suitable for commercial vehicles may be found amongst these. Complete lists will be found in our contemporary The Motor.