Bantams and Bedfords Ordered By Railways in A2+ m Deal
Page 54

If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
IT was announced on Monday by the 1 British Railways Board that it is to spend £2.5m. on replacements for its road haulage fleet, and has authorized the purchase of 1,925 vehicles and 1,025 trailers. By far the largest single portion of the orders goes to the Rootes Group, which will supply 1,250 Karrier Bantam tractive units, worth more than £1m, before the end of this year. These will be powered by 2-5-litre diesel engines and will be fitted with 1-type coupling gear, and will be used on light collection and delivery work from British Railways depots.
Of the remaining vehicles 200 have yet to be ordered, but 475 will be Bedfords, to be supplied by S.M.T. Sales
and Service Co. Ltd., Scotland. Of these 250 will be 8-ton tractive units, 150 6-ten load carriers and 75 12-ton tractive units again diesel engines will be use throughout Orders have not been placec for the trailers yet, but it is known tha at least 425 will be single-axle semi trailers: 250 with a capacity of 12 tons 150 with an 8-ton rating and 25 fo 16-ton payloads.
Speaking about the new orders, B.R.B. spokesman said that the Boar( had been fighting shy of buying nev vehicles until the future of the Road Services became clear but "now that it future has been clearly defined a proms of rationalization has started".