" Pirate " Coaches at R.A.F. Camp
Page 43
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
PIRATE coaches are loaded for Birmingham outside Kirkham R.A.F. Station every week-end, the North Western Traffic Commissioners were told last week. Railway and other timings did not fit in with leaves, and there was a big demand for proper facilities.
This was stated by Mr. H. Backhouse, on behalf of C. and H. Coaches, Fleetwood, who were applying at Blackpool to add Birmingham as a destination to their excursion licence from the camp.
Ribble Motor Services, Ltd., W. C. Standerwick, Ltd., Scout Motor Services. Ltd., and British Railways objected.
Bus services and destinations were arranged by the camp authorities, said a squadron leader, but despite warnings airmen had organized private parties by subterfuges which were bad for discipline. There appeared to be a need for a service to Birmingham.
ADDITIONAL TIMINGS Mr. F. D. Walker, for the Ribble group, pointed out that Birmingham was not a new feature, and despite several applications since 1951 was not licensed as an excursion destination from any of the camps in the Fyldc area. In 1953, additional timings, to meet the needs of the camps, were applied for on the Scout-Standerwick Blackpool—Birmingham express services and were refused.
The Commissioners then considered that road and rail facilities were adequate. Since then, the overall number of airmen at Kirkham had declined.
Ribble, as the existing operators, were the logical providers of any new service. Mr. Backhouse submitted that the licensing system should not be allowed to become a victim of set rules. A refusal in 1951 or 1953 had no bearing on 1957. The Commissioners were not being asked to grant a licence on evidence of illegal running, but to stop airmen using self-created unlicensed services. The Birmingham route had been left at the mercy of the contract operator, and these pirate services could thrive only on need, and must be stopped by starvation.
Refusing the application, the chairman, Mr. F. Williamson. said they were not satisfied as to need. A similar application to run to Birmingham from the camp had been refused on at least one other occasion and the only change appeared to be a reduction in the Forces at the camp. Inquiries would be made into the private party allegations and if there was insufficient evidence for a prosecution there were other ways of dealing with the matter.
DUKE SUPPORTS SAFETY CAMPAIGN
THE Duke of Edinburgh has L written to Mr. H. Watkinson, Minister of Transport, supporting the "Road Safety Matters" campaign which started on Monday. Nearly all accidents, said the Duke, were caused by momentary failures of concentration or errors of judgment. Road users ought to do everything in their power to reduce the number of trivial mistakes which led to serious accidents.
Many organizations, including the British and U.S. Services, the British Insurance Association, and the Transport and General Workers' Union, are supporting the campaign.