Tour Speed Schedules Being Watched
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THE North-Western Traffic Commissioners are having the schedules of all long-distance coach tours carefully scrutinized, in order to see whether the drivers' hours regulations and the speed limit are complied with. They are laying down 22 m.p.h. as a reasonable average speed and are requiring proof of arrangements made for relief drivers.
At a Manchester public sitting which cleared off long lists of noncontroversial cases before' the Christmas recess, Messrs. W. Robinson and Sons, who run excursions from Great Harwood, Liverpool, Preston, Colne, Lancaster, Holmes Chapel and Clitheroe, were asked to explain how they managed matters with regard to changing drivers and why some of their timings worked out at an average speed of 24.5 m.p.h. and 25.41 m.p.h. respectively.
Mr. W. Robinson said that all tire timings were estimated on a basis of 24 m.p.h., but some of the roads covered on trips to the south were so good that 26 m.p.h. was not an unreasonable average speed.
On the question of drivers' hours, Mr. Robinson explained that when the driver of. a touring coach approached the limit of his driving period, he telephoned to the. destination, saying he could not drive beyond a certain point, at which he was to be met by a relief driver. This arrangement was made in respect of the garage used at each destination.
The station for the relief man could not he foreseen, because the start was not always at the same time, nor was the distance covered by a certain time always the same.
The Commissioners required Mr. Robinson to have his timings recast. saying that an average of 22 m.p.h. was nearer the margin. They granted the renewal of his licences, subject to the changes being made and to proof being given of the arrangements for relief drivers.