Higher Maintenance Standards Coming

12th November 1965, Page 61

12th November 1965

Page 61

Page 61, 12th November 1965 — Higher Maintenance Standards Coming

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SUPPORT FOR GEDDES PROPOSALS IN the next two years it was almost a certainty that new minimum standards would be laid down for all vehicles on the road, and both the responsibilities attaching to the operation of road vehicles and the penalties for failing to maintain the standards would be increased.

This view was expressed by Mr. G. Turvey. assistant secretary of the Traders Road Transport Association, speaking at the November meeting of the Norwich Traffic Club last week. He went on to say that the measures would lead to considerable changes. For example, many smaller C-licence operators might not think the cost and the responsibility worth while, and would turn more to haulier; or to using hired vehicles.

On reports about " killer lorries ", Mr. Turvey said there had been exaggerations, but nevertheless there was " an awful lot in what has been said. The condition of vehicles in many cases is a real eye-opener ".

The TRTA called for tighter maintenance standards and proof of them as an operating condition. There was a TRTA inspection plan for members, reporting on the condition of vehicles and advising accordingly, for as little as 10 gns. or 12 gns. a year Some people had sailed too close to the wind for far too long • . and they would feel the pinch under any stricter regulations. A big problem, of course, was the difficulty in getting good maintenance men; but it was one that had to be tackled.

Mr. Turvey expressed the view that within a decade there was a reasonable chance of a " free-for-all " system of the type advocated in the Geddes Report on road transport. His personal view was that such a system could work well— better than the licensing system we had known in the past. He did not agree that it would have the dire consequences that so many people envisaged.

Critics of Geddes pointed to the 1930s and the disasters; but things were different now, with full .employment and other advantages. and history was not likely to repeat itself . . although, of course. a " free-for-al].". would attract

some irresponsible people Under the Geddes proposals. restrictions would be positive, to ensure the standards required,