Compulsory Census of Vehicles and Tyres
Page 21
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AN important census of laid-up vehicles, including tyres, is to take place immediately. This is for the purpose of finding out exactly what is available in respect of both these importan% items and where they. are
stored. In addition, motor dealers will, after November 18, be required to make a return at the end of each month of all laid-up vehicles which have come into their custody or been removed from it during the month.
The Order applies to goods vehicles up to but not exceeding 2 tons unladen, any form of caravan or other type of trailer, and private or hackney vehicles, but not to vehicles constructed or adapted to carry more than seven passengers exclusive of the dxiver. The Order does not apply to motorcycles or bicycles, to cars which hav.e a Defence of the Realm certificate, nor to vehicles unlicensed for use on the public highways, such as certain types of farm vehicles, those used for quarries, and those employed for a few other special purposes.
Special forms, T:C.2, are to be used by motor dealers, and these are being posted to them. Each form allows room for the details of 10 vehicles; if additional space is required, extra forms should be applied for from Tyre Control, Ministry of Supply, Empire House, St. Martin's-le-Grand, London, E.C.1, and the completed forms returned there.
In the case of owners other than dealers, the • person responsible for supplying the particulars is the " custodian " of any vehicle coming within the scope of the Order, which is unlicepsed or for which no petrol ration was granted in respect of any period after October 28. The " custodian " is the person who has the laid-up vehicle in his keeping, whether he owns the vehicle or not. If a person be lookihg after a vehicle for a relative or friend in the Forces, or for a person who has moved from the district, then he is the custodian, and it is obligatory upon him to make the required return. If, however, the vehicle be stored in a garage, the proprietor of the garage will be the custodian and must furnish the particulars.
The form required for people other
than motor dealers is T.C.1. This is obtainable to-day from post offices transacting savings-bank business. After completion of the form, simply told it. ancl send it to the local taxation officer, as directed. No address is necessary and no stamp is required.
Whatever the condition of the tyres, it is essential that the number and sizes be included in the return. Many will be suitable for retreading or their rubber will help the salvage.
It is important to note, however, that this does not mean that either vehicles or tyres will necessarily be requisitioned at once. At present, only the information is required, so that there will be no delay when the need arises. If only the tyres be wanted, an expert will call and dismount them, whilst compensation will be paid for any vehicle or tyre requisitioned.
So far as ordinary custodians are concerned, i.e., those not dealers, a separate form must be completed for each vehicle. Also, the expression " tyre " includes the outer cover and inner tube or either of them.