Lift Depression from Road Transport
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A Brief Analysis of the Position Regarding the Diversion of Road Traffic and of Means by which Improvements
May be Effected By
" Tantalus"
C . ONCERNING the increased measure of dissatisfac tion and the general unrest manifested in respect of the present position of road transport, there can be no element of doubt. Criticism is being centred upon the M. of W.T. Road Haulage Scheme, and amongst the severest critics are numbered individuals who—by a wide knowledge and experience of transport matters—are abundantly qualified to express authoritative views which cannot be regarded with levity or indifference. The fact that such criticisms are considered necessary and that they are expressed so freely and forcibly, constitutes definite evidence that all is not well with the war-time control of the industry. Indeed, there are those who boldly suggest remedial measures regarding the future shaping of affairs. There are, in the main, two distinct schools of thought: one which favours outand-out nationalization, the other which ardently supports the retention of private enterprise. In addition, there is a section which favours, rather, a middle coupe by which transport should be controlled by a board but, at the same time, should retain individual freedom of operation. Sifting on the fence invariably proves precariou. The issue concerning the future destiny of the industry will have to be faced, and whether it is to be under bureaucratic control or whether there shall be a return to individual enterprise is a matter of the-most serious importance.
Individual Members of Parliament have indicated in no uncertain terms their sttong desire for coyplete nationalization, as also have certain accredited leaders of thought. So far, no word or indication concerning the future policy in respect of the industry has been forthcoming from any Government spokesman. The country has been given some idea regarding the lines upon which posit-war reconstruction will be devel6ped, particularly in the matter of housing, the continued control of materials, etc.; but, so far, there has been nothing definite regarding transport. This might appear somewhat strange, but those familiar with the history of road transport are not surprised; they are merely puziled and bewildered. No wonder that there is so much unrest and dissatisfaction. No wonder studied criticism is increasing in force. For all this, surely, there is ample justification.
Scheme Started Under Good Auspices ' When the M. of W.T. Road Haulage Scheme was launched, the appeal to operators to enrol waesolidly backed by the Technical Press, and it was accorded full support by all sections of the industry. At a later stage, when there was criticism in certain quarters, "The Commercial Motor" strongly urged the malcontents to give first place to the national interests, explaining that, Obviously, there must be a period of " teething trouble." The general concensus of opinion was that the industry had entered upon a new era which would mean traffics in plenty at agreed rates with guaranteed payments. The outlook afforded glimpses of prosperity and even security on the horizon of the future. To-day, however, that picture has lost its glamour; the brightness has been dispelled to be replaced by the dark clouds of depression. The word" depression" fills thAsArts of mankind with fear and despondency; and ri.„...ny hauliers are to-day faced with just that prospect. The question which arises quite naturally is why has the Ministry's Scheme fallen so short of expectations? What has brought about the change from optimism to pessimism, from enthusiasm to apathy? Had the country been in the throes of an industrial depression with a resultant drop in traffics, the answer would have been obvious. The contrary is the case, however, for traffics are heavier than the Nation ever has experienced and may yet increase still further with the continued expansion of industries engaged upon war production.
There is no ground for complaint in the matter of enforced economy so far as tyres and petrol are concerned. The essential need for such economy is generally accepted; but the fact remains that, in spite a the appreciably heavier traffics prevailing, road transport continues to be restricted unjustifiably. This, surely, must be against the best interests of the Nation.
There Should be Ample Loads for All
Statements have been made to the effect that chartered vehicles in the Ministry Scheme are not being employed to full capacity. It is also alleged that the C licensee is still permitted to carry goods for hire or reward wjiile hauliers are not fully employed. Surely the war production effort is providing supplies of war material in quantities sufficient to keep both road and rail fully employed. Having regard, then, to all factors governing the situation, there is but one conclusion, and that is that roadtransport restriction is the outcome of a deliberate policy. In the absenceof any official denial, the industry continues to flounder in the dark.
It may be that the scheme recently described elsewhere as "crazy and extravagant" is intended as the basis of a much wider measure of bureaucratic control forming an integral part in post-war planning and construction. Iii any such eventuality the individual freedom and enterprise of operators would be folleited. Therefore, if these duly acknowledged rights of every Briton are to be retained, a determined stand must be taken.
A ray of hope recently appeared by way of the... announcement concerning the proposals of the Executive Committee of the S.J.C. in respect of the reorganization of the industry. In this connection, it is encouraging to note that, at last, the committee has made up its mind as to policy.
Outstanding in importance is the call for separate autonomous orga. dzations for the respective classes of licence holder. ' The unnecessarily long-drawn-out Arguments regarding this matter which have extended over a period of years, should pass into oblivion. Indeed, it is greatly to be hoped that all parties concerned will cease verbal badinage and bickering to concern themselves with only the future welfare of the industry. Moreover, it is further to be hoped that no time will be lost by the contracting parties in giving assent to the scheme in order that the proposals may become effective without delay. It is reasonable to assume that many hardships
• and difficulties might never have arisen had the professional hauliers been blended into one association before the advent of the war.
There are many important matters in comittion with road transport which demand atfeation, but none so urgent as the present unsatisfactory position.