Minister adds 3ft 3in to max bus length
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MRS. BARBARA CASTLE this week laid before Parliament regulations to increase the maximum permitted length of public service vehicles from 11 metres (36ft. lin.) to 12 metres (39ft. 4in.).
Requests for the increase were first put by operators in 1964 and were strongly supported by manufacturers.
The Ministry says the increase is expected to improve the operating efficiency of buses and coaches and stimulate better design. Longer vehicles will be more comfortable and have an increased capacity. Operators will save in labour and maintenance costs.
As the 12-metre length is already common on the Continent the increase should help manufacturers to cut costs and aid exports by being able to build the same model for use both at home and abroad.
Longer buses will not be suitable for all roads but the Traffic Commissioners have powers to control routes. The extra length should not, therefore, have any adverse effects on road safety or traffic flow. The new Regulations will mean an amendment to the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness) Regulations 1958 to increase the maximum permitted turning circle limit of p.s.v. from 71ft to 78ft.
This amendment is contained in the Public Service Vehicles (Conditions of Fitness) (Amendment) Regulations 1967. The length regulation is governed by the Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) Regulations 1967. Both regulations can be obtained from HMSO at 5d and 3d respectively.
UP PERISCOPES!
SOME Birmingham one-man double-deckers have been equipped with a periscope so the driver can check on the number of vacant seats on the top deck. The buses are in test service on three routes. If successful, they may be introduced on all routes on Sundays.
• NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE Corporation is experimenting with pay-as-you-enter one-man buses on the Percy Street-Chapel House Estate route. If successful, operations will be extended to the Ponteland and High Heaton routes.