Car Auctions Offer New Field for Transporters
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THERE was an urgent need for car I transporters to carry used cars to and from motor auctions and dealers' premises in Great Britain. The present method of using part-time drivers recruited from "hangers-on" at auctions was unsatisfactoty and caused much financial loss to the trade through accidents and had driving.
The North Western Deputy Licensing Authority, Mr. J. R. Lindsay, was told this at Lytham St. Annes on March 27, when car dealers from all over the country gave evidence in support of a new A-licence application by Mr. H. Parkinson, 'Blackpool, for an articulated transporter of 121 tons unladen.
Brewer and Turnbull, Ltd., and the British Transport Commission objected. Mr. T. H. Campbell Wardlaw, for the applicant, said there was a tremendous market in used cars. At the moment there was no proper system at auctions. Casual labour hung about hoping to earn easy money by driving vehicles away, but they were not responsible people.
Cross-examined by Mr. J. A. Dunkerley, for Brewer and Turnbull, Mr. Parkinson said he was a former car dealer and haulage driver. Many dealers had asked him to find transport for used cars, but he had never sought to use other haulage contractors. He had acquired the controlling interest in a haulage business, Messrs. Lowery Bros., since he made the present application.
Mr. Norman Wood, a Darlington dealer, said he had a turnover of 1,500 used cars a year. There had been three major accidents with casual drivers during the past year. A dozen vehicles of the type applied for could be kept fully employed at auction sales.
Mr. R. G. Philipson, secretary of St. James Motors, Ltd., Newcastle upon Tyne, said that in 1957 a subsidiary company, St. James Motors (Haulage Contractors), Ltd., was formed, and an A licence was granted by the Northern Licensing Authority in September for •sn articulated transporter. It was fully occupied for the parent company and they were still having to employ parttime drivers for a second subsidiary, Central Garages (Whitley Bay), Ltd.
Mr. Dunkerley submitted that if a haulier wanted to give evidence in support of an applicant, when his own facilities were fully occupied, he should produce certified figures.
Mr. K. Parkinson, a Blackpool car dealer and brother of the applicant, said he had supported the St. James' application, but they were now too busy to provide regular transport. When Brewer and Turnbull objected to the application, he inquired about their rates for this type of work, and was 'told they had a low-loader trailer that would take two cars, but it would not be economical for long-distances.
Mr. Dunkerley pointed out that a letter from Brewer and Turnbull said that if a reasonable amount of business were assured, they would invest in a car transporter.
The hearing was adjourned.
100 BUSES FOR BAGHDAD CONFIRMATION has been received N–e by A.C.V., Ltd., for a £750,000 order for 100 double-deckers for Baghdad, Iraq. Park Royal bodies will be based upon A.E.C. chassis. 'Twenty double-deckers and 300 single-deckers of A.C.V. Manufacture are already in operation in the city.