Higher Tunnel Tolls Resisted
Page 49
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MERSEYSIDE transport interests arc objecting to a scheme for increased tolls for commercial vehicles put forward by the Mersey Tunnel Joint Committee. Five organizations who have sent protests to the Minister of Transport are the Road Haulage Association, Traders' Road Transport Association, Liverpool Cart and Motor Owners' Association, and Birkenhead and Liverpool Chambers of Trade.
They claim that the sole reason put forward for the proposed increases is that commercial vehicles do more damage to road surfaces than other traffic. It is pointed out that last March the committee's renewal fund stood at £888.000, which would appear sufficient to take care of future repairs, even if a major overhaul of tunnel roads were necessary.
The committee have suggested the following schedule: Goods vehicles up to 1 ton unladen, Is.; 1-2 tons, 2s.; 2-4 tons, 2s. 6d.; over 4 tons, 5s. For vehicles with trailers the rates would be doubled. For tractors the proposed charge is Is., with Is. 6d. for trailers.
It is estimated that if this schedule were introduced, it would cost commercialvehicle operators £40,000 a year.
CORPORATION COACH PLAN A THREAT," SAY OPERATORS A PROPOSAL by Sheffield Transport I—I Department to buy a £4,400 coach for private-hire work and for use by corporation committees, has brought a protest from Sheffield branch of the Passenger Vehicle Operators Association. They have described the idea as a threat to their livelihood
Cllr. S. L Dyson, chairman of Sheffield Transport Committee, said they thought the vehicle would be useful for committees making inspections, for delegations and for private hire by individuals.
In reply, the P.V.O.A. accused the department of trying to enter an already overcrowded market when existing operators were able to deal with all the traffic available. They asked the committee to meet a two-man deputation to talk over the matter.