Lower Licences for Restricted Areas -caA N interesting scheme for
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the tssue of licences at reduced rates when vehicles are to be operated only in specified areas, is being put forward to the Minister of Transport. The idea is to employ specially designed, low-powered vehicles of a capacity of approximately 2 tons, which, it is thought, could easily be built at a cost of well under £200 each, and to run these at a moderate speed in such a manner that they could be made to serve in lieu of much of the horsed transport that is at present employed, particularly in dock areas and other places where it causes intense congestion, but which cannot well be replaced by vehicles involving much capital expenditure.
Such vehicles would have to bear some particular identification mark and would be subject to strict surveillance, with the objects of preventing overloading and their employment outside the prescribed area or .a.reas.
It is suggested that London could be divided into, say, three areas with a maximum radius of 10 miles, although even less than that might be acceptable.
Vehicles of this nature, of low weight, small engine power, and reduced speed would be handy to operate and cause very little wear on the road. They would be particularly useful for the local delivery of parcels, and we are of the opinion that the scheme for a reduced licence is well worthy of consideration by the Minister.
The Need for Transport Experts.
ATTICII is being said to-day on the co-ordina-v-i-tion of the various methods of transport, but one of the greatest difficulties in organizing such work is to find men who have at their command sufficient all-round knowledge. There are experts in rail transport, in road transport, in aerial navigation, and other branches, but there is a great dearth of men who have a comprehensive grasp of all.
It seems that some college of transport efficiency is required, where can be developed organizers capable of placing their fingers upon. the weak spots and showing how each system can be enyrilt,yed to the best advantage. From such men it may be hoped that one day we could choose our Ministers of Transport and the staff under them.