Hard to Find Sub-contractors for Whisky Transport
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INTER CITY TRANSPORT AND I TRADING CO. LTD. is seeking 11 additional vehicles and replacement of three existing platform units by articulated vehicles covering Glasgow, Edinburgh and Cumbernauld. The proposals include four artics of 351 tons, all flats, for Glasgow; two artics for 'Edinburgh and three trailers and artics for Edinburgh, to replace existing flats, all on A licence, and one van of 31 tons and one artic of 31 tons based at Cumbernauld on B licence.
Mr. Wm. Sharp, secretary to Inter-City, gave evidence at the hearing that development in the new town had created an increase of business which could be covered only by an 8 per cent increase in carrying capacity. As a large whisky contractor, Inter-City was repeatedly unable to use sub-contractors because of inadequate or complete lack of insurance cover, he said. Mr. W. F. Quin, the Scottish Licensing Authority, commented that hiring was an essential part of the facilities in the industry. Mr. Sharp accepted that and indicated that increased tonnage if granted would not reduce hiring. In the transport of dutiable spirits through the Metropolitan area Inter-City's vehicles were insured up to £.60,000 per load, he said. It was impossible to find sub-contractors who were insured to that limit, or even partially. Many hirers actually refused whisky traffic because of that fact and would accept normal loads while refusing whisky, said Mr. Sharp, New industrial firms had taken up work in Cumbernauld New Town, increasing the burden on the company's vehicles.
Because of the mass of documents involved and the Christmas holidays the case was continued for hearing until a vacancy is available in the New Year.
IN BRIEF
Birmingham Fares Granted: The West Midland Traffic Commissioners have, in a long written decision, granted the fares application by Birmingham Corporation (The Commercial Motor, December 20). But they suggest consideration of higher fares for the doorto-door facilities of special services (such as football match services), they suggest a survey of these special setvices with the idea of introducing a two-fare structure, and they announce a willingness to approve short-term experiments undertaken to stimulate traffic or improve travelling facilities.
contract A to B switch Granted: David W. Haig (Bellshill) Ltd. has been granted conversion of a Contract A to B licence for five vehicles of 26+ tons at Glasgow. Mr. D. W. Haig, director, gave evidence that he also operated an expanding grain merchant business (from £.18,000' to 03,000 in two years) which could use any spare time of the vehicles. The original application was for " Goods for Colvilles Ltd.", but this was amended in court to " Bricks for Colvilles Ltd." Mr. Haig gave assurance that only bricks would be handled for Colvilles. but that the work would occasionally involve England and Wales. British Railways objected and contended that this was really C-licensed work. They also opposed the unlimited radius. Mr. W. F. Quin granted the change on the understanding that no extension .of the goods covered would be permitted without specific application and evidence at some future time.