Two Express Licences Revoked
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THE Minister of Transport last week ordered the revocation of two new road service licences, granted last October by the Northern Traffic Commissioners, to Saltburn Motor Services, Ltd., authorizing express services between Saltburn and Middlesbrough, to be operated as required for dances after 11 p.m.
After the application had been granted, the objectors—Tees-side Rai!less Traction Board—lodged an appeal and an inquiry was held by a Ministry inspector, Mr. J. M. Glen, in March.
In a written decision it was stated that the Minister had accepted and kept well in mind the special position of Saltburn Motor Services as pioneers in providing late-night services between Saltburn and Middlesbrough, and recognized that the company could have obtained the necessary licences with little difficulty in 1952 because of the circumstances then. Similarly. he recognized that the company had freely admitted subsequent operation without licences and had now taken steps to correct this.
The Minister had consequently examined whether Saltburn Motor Services had proved need for the licences and it seemed that the issue depended mainly on whether they had operated the services previously to any appreciable extent and so could be entitled to consideration as established operators.
The Minister agreed with the inspector that there was not sufficient evidence to show operation into Middlesbrough by the northern route, though he accepted that there had been "something more than isolated operation" by the southern route. But considering that some eight years had elapsed since the licences becarhe necessary it seemed that Saltburn had offered altogether insufficient evidence to show .that they had operated with such regularity or to such an extent on that route that they could be considered as established operators.
In the circumstances, when Saltburn Motor Services were trying to regularize a position brought about by their own oversight, the Minister felt it was not unreasonable to expect them to back up their application with the fullest possible facts.