Cards on the Table
Page 30
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HOLDERS of special A licences will not generally be able to claim "General goods, Great Britain" as their normal user when renewal becomes due. This is made clear by instructions issued by the Licensing Authorities and is in line with the tightening-up in the specification of normal user in the case of open A licences. Whether or not the narrowing of the description of a haulier's activities is reasonable, it is only just that special A and ordinary A licences should be placed on a level footing.
The onus of proof required for the continuation of a special A licence is detailed, but in all the circumstances is reasonable. It is designed to prevent an excess of transport, which is in the interests of existing operators. The alternatives of justifying normal user either on the basis of work done during the currency of the licence or of future intention are, however. open to doubt. How does the applicant know which of these courses he is to be allowed to pursue? How does the objector know how to frame his case? These are matters that require further consideration by all those concerned.
Still more important is the indefinite continuation, without the opportunity of objection, of the A licences granted to companies formed by the British Transport Commission for the purposes of sale. There is now no possibility of those companies being sold and, although the B.T.C. have the right of objection to the renewal of special A licences for vehicles of which they disposed under the 1953 Act, the purchasers are denied the power of opposing the continuation of at least part of the Commission's road haulage services. This is an anomaly that requires immediate attention, This is a matter for Parliament. Although the Licensing Authorities are anxious to assist holders of special A licences in preparing applications for renewals, they can do nothing about the continuing activities of the B.R.S. parcels and meat-haulage companies. Their hands are tied by Act of Parliament.