Grave Crisis, Unless More New Vehicles Are Made
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SHORTAGE of heavy goods-carrying vehicles and replacement parts, and the urgent .need for a relaxation of the present 20 m.p.h. speed limit for such vehicles during daylight hours, have been the subject of representations by the Road Transport Sectica of the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to the Ministry of Transport.
At a meeting of the council, a few days ago, Mr. R. B. Stockdale (Motor Carriers, Ltd.), chairman of the section, explained that the present drastic limitation of the number of new vehicles most result in a grave position arising in the near future. In normal times it had been the practice of wellorganized concerns to replace a fixed portion of their fleet each year, thus spreading the complete replacement evenly over a period of years. This system was helpful to the manufacturers, but even in these circumstances and with all the factories working at full pressure, it was not unusual to wait three of six months, after signing contracts, for delivery of the .vehicles.
"Now, the output of the factories is drastically reduced, the number of new vehicles available for purchase by operators is negligible and although an operator may be authorized to use a certain number of vehicles he may not purchase, without a special permit, although some of his vehicles may no longer be serviceable.
A further disturbing factor is the intensive running of vehicles, causing excessive wear and shortening their life. " An effort is being made to improve
matters by keeping vehicles in a high state of repair, but here. again operatorsare handicapped by a shortage of spare parts required for this purpose.
" A substantial increase in the output of spare parts is a matter of urgency. It is difficult to see how a partial breakdown in the road transport services, in the near future, can be avoided, unless the quota of new vehicles which the manufacturers are allowed to turn out for commercial use be materially increased and a larger supply of spares for existing vehicles made available,"
The Chamber agreed to the suggestion that the chairman, Mr. Dan Tobey, should consult the president, Lord Derby, on the steps that might be taken to remove the difficulties.