HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 122, 27 June 1941, Page 5

HEAVY TRAFFIC FEES

SHORT TERM LICENSES EM ER GE N C,Y C A RTIX G Writing to yesterday's meeting of the County Council the Controller of Transport stated that arising hirgcly out of the uncertainty regarding shipping and the number of vessels arriving together as, a result of the convoy system, carriers arc finding that there is a considerable fluctuation in the volumei (if work handled from week to week and even from day to day. In order to cater for the peak loading they arc at present compelled to take out heavy traffic licenses for a full quarter for additional vehicles which in a number of cases are only required for a few days at a time. With a view to meeting cases) such as this, it has been suggested that provision should be made for tha issue of "weekly" heavy traffic licenses for special jobs at a higher rate than for the ordinary heavy traffic licenses. Expiry of Licenses. The letter continued that the mot-or-vehicle license'', year now expires on 30th June each year. It was originally proposed to amend the heavy traffic license year to correspond, but it has been pointed out by several local authorities that this would cause the second quarter to end on a holiday date, namely 31st December. On the other hand, if no change Is made the heavy traffic licenses will be issuable, as to the first quarter, before the new number plates are obtainable and the disk for at least two months of the first quarter will not bear the correct registration number. Also the operator will be put to extra trouble in licensing his vehicle twice, once for heavy traffic and once for number plates. Clause 10 of Regulation 9 of the heavy motor vehicle Regulation 1940 enables a heavy traffic license to be issued 1-1 days before the commencement of the respective quarter, and this may assisit to overcome the difficulty concerning the quarter ending on 31st December. Writer should be pleased to learn whether it is desired (1) that the heavy traffic license year be changed to terminate on 30th June or (2) that no change be made. Any suggestions which may assist this problem Avould be appreciated. It was recommended that weekly heavy traffic licenses (emergency carting) be approved provided that no heavy traffic disks ware issued and that present expiry dates 31st August, 30th November, 28th February and 31 srt May be adhered to.