Little Controversy in R.H.A.
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Conference Resolutions
0NLY three of the 29 resolutions to be proposed at the annual
conference of the Road Haulage Association at Weston-super-Mare, next week, are likely to arouse keen controversy. One of them calls for the granting of open A licences to all hauliers engaged solely on work for hire or reward. Another says that the licensing Authorities should be asked to enforce licence conditions more strictly. The third is a hardy annual—a demand for a hauliers' code of conduct.
The resolutions deal with taxation, the levy, oil-fuel records, highway construction, road safety, the speed limit on heavy goods vehicles, licensing and enforcement, traffic arrangements, rates schedules, tyre rebates, indemnity clauses, publicity, and membership and administration.
Abolition of purchase tax on commercial vehicles and on . stationery required for statutory purposes is among the tax reliefs demanded. A resolution calls for the discontinuance of the levy at the end of this year because of the high price being received by the British Transport Commission for units, The Government are urged to give priority to tunnel schemes and the Severn Bridge, and to do away with toll gates and level-crossings on all main routes. It is suggested that the police and fire services should provide mobile squads_ to rescue people trapped in vehicles in accidents and to give first aid.
Among five resolutions listed under the heading, "Licensing," is one calling for an increase to 41 tons in the maximum weight of a motorcar. Another suggests that the gross maximum weight for an articulated vehicle should be 32 tons—the same as for a tractor and trailer.
"Mass Examination" Protest is made against "the mass examination of vehicles by traffic examiners whereby they overstep the authority given by stopping vehicles and holding them up for lengthy periods. . .
Concern is expressed over the tendency towards further restrictions on the loading and unloading of vehicles. Official parking places, in side streets running off main roads are demanded.
Another resolution calls for a rates schedule graded to cover all classes of traffic and mileages.
It is suggested that the Tyre Manufacturers' Panel should be disbanded and that small users' tyre discounts should be reintroduced. A further suggestion is that the Board of Trade should be told that indemnity clauses in contracts offered by public-works contractors, with the intention of evading common-law liability, are contrary to the public interest and should be withdrawn.
SCHOOL BUSES FOR CONTINENT QCHOOL buses run by London County Council are to be made available each year, on a limited basis, for trips to the Continent, according to a report of the education general purposes sub-committee.