Is This a Precedent For.
Page 42
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
Tanker Hauliers?
THE YORKSHIRE Licensing Authority's grant of an A licence for 12 tankers
to Smith and Robinson (Leeds), Ltd., to enable vehicles used solely for Shell Mex and B.P., Ltd., during the winter season and spot-hire for other customers in the summer, may be a precedent enabling tanker hauliers to obtain public A licences for part-time contract vehicles.
In addition to the 12 contract vehicles the applicants sought an additional 12 on public A licence for maintenance.
Increased Fleet Mr. Herbert Robinson, a director, said that since July, 1958, the company's contract fleet had increased from 102 to 153 tankers, while the A licence vehicles had remained static at 34. The demands of customers for additional contract vehicles had absorbed new vehicles as fast as they became available. Although the company had spent approximately £14,000 a month for 21 years it had been insufficient to allow proper provision to be made for maintenance.
The company's tankers averaged between 40,000 and 75,000 miles yearly and required a complete overhaul every three years. .Three foremen and 39 fitters were employed, but keeping pace with running repairs meant that only six cOmplete overhauls per year • were possible.
Running Repairs Time spent on running repairs was equivalent to the loss of eight vehicles per day and the painting programme involved the loss of a further four. Although they were under great pressure, particularly from Shell Chemicals, Ltd., to increase . the contract fleet, if the application were granted the next 12 new vehicles would be put on A licence. The present fleet was insufficient to meet the demands of 131 customers, who had no contract vehicles.
After hearing evidence from representatives of 1.C.1. Ltd., and Thomas Hedley, Ltd., regarding summer spot-hire requirements, Major Eastwood granted the applications.