P.P.A. Contest Decision on Fares
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THE Scottish branch of the Passengers' Protection Association have written to the Minister of Transport about the conduct of recent proceedings before the Scottish Traffic Commissioners, when Edinburgh Transport Department obtained increased bus fares. The Commissioners are accused of having failed to conduct the proceedings " in a fair and unbiased manner."
In a letter to the Minister, Mr, L. P. Elwell-Sutton, secretary of the branch, also drew attention to the fact that although the revisions were introduced on June 12 the Commissioners' decision was not published in Notices and Proceedings until June 18. He pointed out that the Road Traffic Act, 1930, provided that a decision to modify conditions should not become operative until three months after the date of the Commissioners' decision.
Mr. Elwell-Sutton said that the association decided to appear as non-statutory objectors and considered that this was a case when the Commissioners could exercise their discretion. Although they conformed to regulations by submitting a copy of their representations to the applicants, the association were told that they could not have a copy of the applicants' statements.
The association were told that they could make further statements during the inquiry, but would not be allowed to cross-examine witnesses, adds the writer. In the view of the association Mr. W. F. Quin, chairman, failed to conduct the proceedings in the manner required by the Act.