Road Transport's Growing Popularity
Page 27
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THERE are numerous indications that trade and industry and the public in general, are awakening to the vital importance of maintaining an effective road-transport system in country, and even fostering its growth.
The average Briton is always sympathetic towards the under dog, and, unfortunately, the road industry has, under the pressure of legislation and restriction, been occupying this unenviable position for some time. A few days ago, at an association function, one of the speakers used the quotation : " Lay not thyself down for a fool to tread upon," but this is what the industry has been doing since the Road and Rail Traffic Act of 1933. .
We might also say that the road interests have been hiding their light Under a bushel, but they are now doing far more to ventilate their grievances, and the public is asking why it is that restrictions and suggestions as to redundancy of transport media should be applied only to road• transport. It is also becoming alive to the serious position which might occur in time of emergency. if the roads and the transport upon them be not rendered suitable for the huge influx of traffic which would automatically, take place in the event this of the railways .being put out of action.
There are well-versed trans port men who believe that , despite air-raid precautions, the railways might almost cease to exist as a practical proposition within 48 hours of the commencement of .hostilities on a large scale.
A few days ago, Admiral the Earl of Cork and Orrery pleaded for closer co-operation between road transport and coastal shipping. It might be that the ships would have to transfer direct to road motors, and that only by their joint efforts would it be possible to keep alive the main centres of population. Incidentally, he referred to road operators as public benefactors, pointing out that they have raised to a very remarkable degree the standard of comfort of the whole populace.
. Elsewhere in this issue we refer to remarks made by the Chairman of the Port of Bristol Authority. He said that the. Authority intends to give all means for transport the same facilities, that already over 2,000 loaded road vehicles leave the port every week; and that if road transport can legitimately beat any other method it is perfectly justified in doing so. He thought that the arguments against the licensing of additional vehicles Were often feeble and very unfair.