COACH LICENSING DIFFICULTIES PENDING OPERATION OF THE ACT.
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The Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association Meets to Consider what Steps to Take.
TN our issue for last week we briefly 'mentioned the meeting held in London, on October 22nd, under the auspices of the Motor Hirers and Coach Services Association, for the purpose of discussing the Road Traffic Act. About 400 operators attended, and it may be said that, with the exception of one or two speakers, there was no wasted word throughout' the evening. After opening remarks by the president, Mr. H. T. Rickards, Mr. M. Logette successfully attempted in 15 minutes to explain the Act. In this short time most of those present must have learned more about this statute than they can have picked up in the past months. He was followed by Mr. A. S. Comyns Carr, K.C., who explained legal aspects. He pointed out that regulations made by the Minister under the Act are open to challenge if they exceed the powers granted him by it. He also emphasized the urgent need for independent operators to prepare evidence showing the monetary value and goodwill of their undertakings as they are to-day, i.e., before the operation of the Act.
Mr. Eric Monkman then proposed :— "This meeting of independent motorbus and coach proprietors urges the 1V1inister of Transport to receive a deputation and to indicate immediately
what measure of protection and security will be afforded under the Road Traffic Act in respect of such seasonal and allthe-year-round coach services as have been pioneered and operated by independebt coach owners for many years past." This was seconded and carried unanimously.
Mr. C. Dobbs, who is largely responsible for organizing the London Coach Co-operative Committee, which has its offices at 288, Regent Street, London, W.1, then spoke, expressing the opinion that good might be done by this corn Enlace working in conjunction with the
association. He proposed. the following resolution :—" Having regard to the recent and repeated warnings of the Minister of Transport against the continual indiscriminate granting of licences, which are being generally disregarded, this meeting urges the Minister to exercise his authority by instructing the existing licensing authorities to discontinue the issuing of further unjustified licences until the Commissioners to be appointed are empowered to act." This also was seconded and carried unanimously.
After Mr. P. B. Showan, Barristerat-Law, had spoken at length on the importance of acting co-operatively, H. Lowe proposed the following resolution :-4-" Having regard to the fact that the fanctions of the traffic commissioners will be of a quasijudicial nature, this meeting is of the opinion that the Minister of Transport cannot obtain efficient commissioners possessing the requisite knowledge and experience within the limits of the remuneration offered." It was explained that the remuneration is £1,000 and. in some cases £1,200 per annum, and engagement is for live years with no guaranteed renewal and no pension. This resolution was seconded and carried unanimously.
Among subsequent speakers was Mr. H. La,wrie, MP., whose subject was the relationship between employer and employed.