LA ' s decision
Page 33
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favours French ha her
FRENCH cheeses can be brought all the Way from Normandy to London in the same vehicle as the result of a decision at Southampton last week by the South Eastern area deputy Licensing Authority.
A French haulier, M. Guy Galopin, from St, Pois, in the Department of Le Marche, suecessfully applied for a B licence authorising him to operate a 5i-ton 'refrige?ated vehicle, carrying cheese and butter from Southampton to London.
Mr: • A. L. Lowth for the applicant, referred to the increasing interchange of vehicles between Continental countries and England resulting from developments of vehicle ferry services between Southampton and French ports.
M. Galopin, a respected member of the Franch haulage industry, operated a fleet of 17 vehicles to many parts of Europe, said Mr. Lowth. M. Galopin wanted to collect dairy. produce from an area within 30 kilometres of his operating centre, which was close to the ports of Cherbourg and Le Havre, and bring it across the Channel by car-ferry and thence to London.
"Our friends in France have a licensing system different from ours, and English hauliers can enjoy facilities to operate in France', he added. "Not unnaturally, those who haVe their businesses on the other side of the Channel look for a reciprocal arrange7,„ ent".
M. Galopin stated that he had been asked to take up this traffic because of the great difficulties his customers were experiencing with existing means of transport by rail, via Dunkirk. He agreed that for ordinary loads of dairy produce, such as butter, the railways provided a satisfactory service. But refrigerated rail wagons were not suitable for the special types a cheese that he intended to carry, he said. The cheeses had to be maintained at regular temperatures, requiring thermostatically controlled refrigeration equipment which was very expensive.
Objebting to the application on behalf of British Railways, Mr. A. G. Reeve said BR was carrying large quantities of French dairy produce, for which there was a vast warehouse at Hither Green. But he conceded that the applicant wanted to carry special cheeses at very low temperatures—a service BR was not supplying at the moment.
"I withdraw my objection in the hope that it will maintain good international relations", he remarked.
The deputy Licensing Authority, Mr. A. C. Shepherd, granted the application, permitting the vehicle to operate to any destination within the area of the Greater London Council.
Newport Profit: Newport Transport Department's gross income for the year ended March 31 1966 was £709,530—highest yet. But expenses also rose and left a net profit of £4,318 compared with £10,771 last year.