MINISTRYCONSIDERING AXLEWEIGHT CONCESSIONS.
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Consideration is being given by the Ministry of Transport to -the comments received from the associations on the proposals circulated some weeks ago on the subject of an increase in the axle-weight limits of six-wheeled goods and passenger vehicles.
It will be remembered that the proposals are for an increase of 10 cwt, in the axle-weight limit of six-wheeled petrol or oil-engined goods vehicles, and, in the case of a six-wheeled steamer, of 14, tons. In the case of six-wheeled passenger machines, it is suggested that the axle weights should be increased by 14 tons for singledeckers and 2i tons for double-deckers.
Why Do Rail Rates Vary?
How railway rates for cotton traffic vary over comparable distances was shown when the hearing of the application of Collier Daniels Transport, Ltd., for an extra Si-ton vehicle, was continued its Manchester, last week, before Mr. W. Chamberlain, North Western Licensing Authority. The hearing was further adjourned.
The vehicle is required principally for service to London and Southampton, carrying cotton on the outward run and bringing back fruit, tobacco and electric cables.
The railways allege that they have A.32
lost traffic to Collier Daniels Transport, Ltd., owing to the lower rates for road transport. When the variations in railway charges were pointed out to a railway witness, he could not explain the differences.
Agreements Must Be Honoured, Says . Mr. Bevin.
"As a leader of men, I shall hold my office only so long as the honouring of agreements is the basis of our relationship," said Mr. Ernest Bevin, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, at a luncheon given on Monday by the London and Home Counties Haulage Contractors Association to the Lord Mayor and Sheriffs of the City of London.
Speaking on the question of co-ordination, Mr. Bevin urged that the conflict between the various forms of transport should not be allowed to continue. He urged the need for more complete organization of the whole of the transport services of the country, and he suggested that co-ordination could not be achieved unless a wage and cost basis were definitely settled.
Owing to indisposition, the Lord Mayor was unable to be present at the luncheon, and his place was taken by Sir Kynaston Studd. PROVISIONAL REGULATIONS FOR TRACK-LAYERS.
Extensive provisional regulations concerning track-laying vehicles of all classes in which the weight is transmitted to the road either by continuous tracks or a combination of wheels and continuous tracks so that the weight on the tracks is not less than half the weight of the vehicle, have been issued by the .Minister of Transport. They are entitled the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Track Laying Vehicles) Provisional Regulations, 1937, and copies are obtainable (at 5d. each) from H.M. Stationery Office, The Regulations are of limited interest to most of our readers, and we would advise those concerned with such vehicles to obtain a copy of them.
Municipal Strike in the North?
Increases of municipal goods-transport workers' wages proposed by the Lancashire and Cheshire Whitley Council agreement are to be discussed at a conference of local authorities which is to be called by a committee of Bury Town Council. It is understood that a meeting of Bury Corporation transport workers has passed a motion calling for the agreed increases to be put into force to-day (Friday), or for a definite statement that the increased rates are to be paid.
Failing a satisfactory settlement, a strike is possible at 24 hours' notice.
80-ton Accumulator By Road.
A monster steam accumulator, weighing over 80 tons, is being conveyed by road, this week, from Newbie Engineering Works, Annan, to Parkhead Forge, Glasgow. It measures 75 ft. long and 11 ft. 3 ins, in diameter.
Owing to its bulk, it can be transported only by road, and Norman E. Box, Ltd., which has undertaken the transport of previous loads from Newbic, is again in charge. "