News of the Week
Page 22
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RAILWAY DELAYSr FURTHER INQUIRY
DELAYS and losses in railway transL./port were alleged by a witness for Messrs. R. C. Green and Sons, of Weston Town, Evercreech, when they applied to the Western Licensing Authority, on November 6, for an A licence for seven vehicles (18 tons 16 cwt.) for "general goods, any distance," and a B licence for five vehicles (12 tons 13 cwt.). The application for an A licence included five additional vehicles at present operated under a B Defence Permit.
In September, 1939, the applicants held an A licence for two vehicles (4 tons 9 cwt.). it was stated that in the Evercreech district, five operators had surrendered eight vehicles (21 tons) and there was held to be a need for additional vehicles.
Mr. Portnell, sales manager of Prideaux, Ltd., said, in support of the application, that railway delivery was slow and that there was still a claim outstanding against the Southern Railway for £60 for materials lost in January last.
Mr. Sturge, for the railway company, submitted that, in law, the application was incorrectly worded. Section 5 of the Road and Rail Traffic Act, 1933, required that "a person applying for a licence shall submit to the Licensing Authority a statement on the prescribed form, setting out the classes of goods he requires to carry, and the districts to which they will normally be carried." Haulier objectors supported Mr. Sturge's contention.
The Licensing Authority refused the whole of the application for A and B licences, but granted a short-term Defence Permit for three months for the vehicles at present authorized. This would, said the Licensing Authority, give the railway company an opportunity of proving the facilities offered and supplying particulars of the alleged delays.