ABSTRACT

Those who looked at the Sir Arthur, K. C. B. Salter recommendations on taxation with confidence that it would never happen did so more in blind faith than in judgement. While new taxes are always unpleasant, these particular ones came at a time when there were distinct signs of revival in the economy. When vehicles were run until something went wrong and were then put back on the road after tinkered repairs they were bound to deteriorate and become ultimately a menace on the highway. Whatever impression Mr E. Marston obtained from the members of the Road Haulage Association it seems that not everyone welcomed, or perhaps even knew of, the legislation. The railways, at a conference with the Metropolitan Licensing Authority and various road transport associations on 19 February 1934 to discuss procedures under the new legislation, had stated their policy.