DISCRETIONARY-TONNAGE REFUSALS IN THE WEST
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Q0111E interesting applications for L./licences were heard by Mr. A. F. 'Nicholson, the Western Licensing Authority, at Bristol, last Friday. The first important case was that of Messrs. Ashley Down Autos, which occupied over two hours. The firm sought claimed-tonnage licences in respect of six vehicles (17 tons 16 cwt) and nine machines " discretionary " (29 tons 15 cwt. 2 qrs.).
The application was opposed on the grounds of overloading, rate-cutting and the overworking of drivers, and on the applicants' admission that they had successfully operated during the past six months with 11 vehicles, licences for only that number were granted.
The hearing of an application of Mr. C. Gay for claimed-tonnage licences for 12 vehicles and three trailers (49 tons 6 cwt. 1 qr.) and discretionary for six vehicles and four trailers (28 tons 14 cwt.) opened with a legal argument regarding the wording of various objections, and the applicant was advised by his counsel not to
answer questions concerning rates, working hours, wages, etc. The Licensing Authority granted • licences only for a tonnage equivalent to that held in the basic year.
• A similar decision was reached on an application by Mr. F. C. Cowling for claimed-tonnage licences for six vehicles (18 tons 11 cwt-) and discretionary for six vehicles and a trailer (19 tons 6 cwt.). The 'original application for 37 tons 17 cwt. claimed tonnage had to be amended as it could not be proved. A vehicle examiner stated that Mr. Cowling's maintenance system was inadequate and that one of his vehicles had operated under a prohibition order.
As a result of an objection by the Great Western Railway Co. that most of his traffic had previously been carried by rail, Mr. R. F. Petrie (United Motorways) was refused licences for three vehicles (14 tons 10 cwt., discretionary). The machines had been in his possession only a few' months, he having previously been in partnership with another operator.