Revision of Licence Condition Reversed
Page 31
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
THE Minister of Transport has upheld
an appeal by Wainfleet Motor Services, Ltd., who appealed against a revision by the West Midland Traffic Commissioners of the conditions on an express service between Tamworth and Hastings. restricting picking-up and putting-down points and vehicle allowance.
In his decision, the Minister " notes " that much of the time spent at the Traffic Commissioners' hearing and his inspector's inquiry was devoted to arguing the inconvenience to passengers arising from the prohibition on Wainfleet picking-up at Pool Meadow passengers for Hastings and Brighton outside the three peak Saturdays.
On an examination of the history of the licence, it appeared that it had never been intended originally that Wainfleet should carry between Coventry and Brighton and only at certain times between Coventry and Hastings, The application which was the subject of the
appeal was, therefore, considered on the basis of an application for a new licence.
He had concluded, said the Minister, that there was a demand for the services which was at least as great outside the three peak Saturdays as during them. •
British Railways and Midland Red were respondents to the appeal. The Minister said that he considered the railway facilities could not altogether be regarded as an alternative. He said that he agreed with his inspector that there was " some force in criticism" of vagueness relating to Midland Red's evidence about vacancies available on their services. "The objectors have as much onus to make their case as applicants have to prove the need for their services," said the Minister.
He was accordingly making an order upon the Commissioners to grant a picking-up and setting-down point in Coventry for Brighton and Hastings passengers on any Saturday during July and August.