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Gloco as an alternative to the almost unobtainable premium
fuels, although customers were prepared to take any fuel
and Gloco was available. In view of the fact that at that
time the clean air programme for domestic premises basically
depended upon Gloco and similar cokes for open tire fuel
it is regrettable that some distributors were apparently so
reluctant to handle these fuels. Since the cessation by the
North Thames Gas Board of retail deliveries of Gloco more
distributors took a little interest, but the position was not
really satisfactory. Householders' difficulties, including
higher expenditure on premium fuels, arising from the attitude
of distributors towards Gloco, probably contributed in
no small degree to the observable trend towards gas and
electricity for heating.
The Council was concerned about the position and were
considering ways and means of helping residents in smoke
control areas, including increased grants for alternative
means of heating to the open tire when the Ministry of
Housing and Local Government circular was received
announcing the new grants designed to encourage just this.
Pollution of the atmosphere by smoke from diesel
engined vehicles continued and was a cause of increasing
numbers of complaints from members of the public. Very
few of these vehicles, it would seem, were able to operate,
particularly in the lower gears, without emitting some smoke.
The activities of the Ministry of Transport Inspectors were
very welcome, as was the information that spot checks are
to be increased, but this is still not sufficient. At any main
road uphill section or at any urban traffic signal or obstruction,
these vehicles could be seen emitting varying amounts
of smoke. London Transport 'buses, too, were far from
blameless. It is high time that engine and equipment manufacturers,
servicing organisations and transport operators
took effective steps to deal with this increasing nuisance.
Noise Abatement
The Noise Abatement Act, 1960, came into operation
on 27th November, 1960. It provides that noise or vibration
which is a nuisance shall be a statutory nuisance for the
purposes of the Public Health Act. 1936, and restricts the
operation on highways, etc., of loudspeakers.
The use of loudspeakers by vendors of certain foodstuffs,
for example, ice cream, is permitted, subject to conditions,
between the hours of noon and seven o'clock in the
evening.