Road Service for Minority Only
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'THERE is a danger that the through .I. road service to London may become a general alternative to the road-rail [service] and not one limited to the ` minority ' who, by force of circumstances, are unable to avail themselves of the road-rail. . . . Steps should be taken, so far as practicable, to ensure that the express through service is used only by the minority in question."
Mr. J. M.. Glen, a Ministry of Transport inspector, made this observation after hearing an appeal by the Railway Executive at Oxford in August. The Minister has ordered the East Midland Licensing Authority to reduce from 10 to eight the number' of vehicles which he permitted Messrs. Taylor's Motor Coaches to operate from an Army camp at Bicester to London at week-ends on a variation of conditions attached to a licence.
Mr. G. Mercer, for the railways, said the variation would make possible an increase of 3i times for Friday and 500 per cent. for Saturday (three vehicles were operated on Fridays. The five originally operated on Saturdays were increased to 10 under the variation). There was no evidence that the alleged minority who could not use the rail services existed, and no justification for an increase in road facilities. There must be wasteful competition.
Mr. T. E. Eeley, for the respondents, said there had been an increase in personnel at the camp, and experience' showed that 10 vehicles were required. Indeed, his clients had had to operate above this limit. The camp authorities thought they were necessary. He submitted that if the increase was not sustained the "pirates" would • return.