TRANSPORT CONTROL

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 363, 18 February 1937, Page 4

TRANSPORT CONTROL

AUTHORITY’S ADVICE. Too Many Operators Now On Roads. "If the financial returns which I have been through are correct, there are a good many operators on the road that should not be there at all,” said Mr. P. Skoglund, No. 2 Transport Licensing Authority, at the sitting at Stratford to-day. He had been through all the returns and could safely say that 56 per cent, of them were not earning a living. However, he wanted to give the carriers another chance. In future an owner-driver would have to show that he earned an amount equal to award wages. Further he would have to adhere to the stipulated hours. Later on, accountants would come around and examine the books where there was.' any doubt. The license could be reviewed at any time. Extra Vehicles. In reference to extra vehicle authorities, Mr. Skoglund said that unless very good reason -was shown his policy wat' not to grant such applications. There were too many vesicles on the road and some were earning less than £lOO a year. It would be better to have less vehicles and he thought that that would ultimately happen. Mr. Skoglund also indicated that restricted areae would be .eliminated and licenses would! granted flor not less than a whole county. It would require thousands of Inspectors if the restricted areas' wore perpetuated. . Carriers' Association. Another matter referred to by the Authority was the formation of a Carriers' Association in Stratford.' Mr. Skoglund suggested that an Association be formed, either in combination with the Taranaki Master Carriers or that a Central Taranaki Association be formed which would be linked with the national organisation Unless the Authority had the wholehearted co-operation of the carriers throughout the province., it was hard to cope with transport problems general|y. A carrier’s business seemed to be one of the few where the user was allowed to dictate the price. If there was an Association, prices could be fixed. Later on he would be revisiting the district and hoped to meet carriers and users. Prices would be fixed and any carrier undercutting would be in serious danger of losing hit license.