Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 01 April 1922
Road Haulage
The development of road haulage by means of petrol driven motor wagons has been very rapid, and one has only to take walk along a main road to have the fact brought home to him that the horse has very largely been superseded as a transport animal.
I came across a Conisborough motor driver last week who mentioned that he had that day, and it was very early evening then, not later than 5.30, brought a three ton load from Skegness to Wath, a journey of well over a hundred miles, unloaded, and returned to Conisborough.
A few years ago I was speaking with a fairly highly placed railwayman on this subject of road haulage, and in reply to my question as to whether railways would not feel the competition he made rather light of the matter. I notice, however, that most of the railway companies are seeking powers to take part in the road haulage work, not only of goods but of passengers.
There is no doubt whatever that the motor buses which are now running regularly through Conisbrough must be adversely affecting the passenger traffic of our local railways.
At present, fares on motor buses are too high, and if the road becomes successful in obtaining the necessary powers to run motor buses we may look forward to a period of rate cutting which will be of benefit to the general public.