Disqualification Will Not be Restored : Tests to be Extended ?
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I T is not intended to restore the power of magistrates to disqualify drivers who do not stop after an accident. This was stated by Mr. Harold Watkinson, Minister of Transport, in the House of Commons last week, when he dealt with a series of questions. He felt that the penalties for failing to report an accident were adequate, which was why this offence was not included in the 1956 Act in the list of offences for which a court may order disqualification.
He promised, however, to review the matter when the next suitable opportunity occurred. In 1955, there were 6,360 convictions for this offence, and in 1956 6,849.
Tests of Bigger Vehicles?
When the vehicle-testing scheme got under way, it might be extended to cover goods vehicles weighing over 30 cwt. unladen. The Minister said that heavy goods vehicles were generally better maintained than light models and were already liable to inspection under the provisions of the 1933 Act. He added that more than 100,000 vehicles were examined every year under this statute.
He promised that, in all future roadworthiness tests, the emission of black smoke because of the poor condition of the engine would be considered, but refused to assign officials to vehicletesting stations operated by private garages to ensure that consistent standards were applied.
More Staggering Wanted Of 26,000 companies in London to whom appeals had been made to stagger their working hours, 115 had asked the committee dealing with this matter for advice, said Mr. Watkinson, who thought that more progress should he made in the staggering of hours. Mr. Ernest Davies wondered whether it might be necessary to introduce a degree of compulsion.
A scheme for the duplication of the . Blackwall Tunnel was to be considered by the Minister, who hoped that it would c10 be possible to begin work as soon as plans and estimates had been approved. At the Elephant and Castle it was estimated that the total cost of constructing two new roundabouts and associated roads would be £l-m.
Mr. G. R. H. Nugent, Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport, told Mr. Davies that he did not wish to send a direction to the Licensing Authorities as to how they should deal with licence-holders who had offended against the regulations concerning drivers' hours and records. Mr. Davies thought • that revocations or suspension of licences would be greater deterrents than fines, and Mr. Nugent added that he had no doubt that the Authorities would read what Mr. Davies had said.
Last year some 890 accidents involving personal injury were attributed to the absence of front or rear lights with one of the vehicles concerned, said Mr. Nugent. He thought that the regulations were. adequate.
Mr. Nugent also considered that many current types of indicator on vehicles were not satisfactory, but matters would become right as new standards came into effect.
HAULIERS ENTER GARAGE TRADE
IN addition to the haulage and storage I business which they carry on at New Preston Street, Bradford, S. Leach (Transport), Ltd., will shortly launch another Bradford enterprise, the Phenix Filling Station, Listerhills Road. This is being constructed on the site of the old St. Andrew's Garage, which the company purchased not long ago.
The directors of S. Leach (Transport). Ltd., are Mr. John Bidgood (managing director) and his wife. Since they began business in road haulage five years ago, the number of their vehicles has increased from one to seven, but including sub-contractors' lorries they operate approximately 20, chiefly to Goole, Hull, Liverpool and London.