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Saturday 10 November 1917 – When petrol may be used

Category World War I: The Home Front
Publication
The Evesham Journal
Transcription of article

WHEN IT MAY BE USED

The  purpose for which petrol in private cars is permitted are journeys to the nearest convenient railway station for the purpose of going by train or meeting and carrying to his destination a person who is arriving by train or fetching from or taking to the station for despatch luggage or goods. The purpose for which the railway journey is being made is not material, but a private car is not permitted for use if public vehicles are available, or if luggage could be conveyed without undue delay by carrier, or if the person might conveniently have used a horse vehicle. It is pointed out that a person might use a motor vehicle for the purpose of trade, profession, or business, irrespective of whether he himself is using the car or whether it is used on his behalf. “Necessary household affairs” may be held to include obtaining food, fuel, or medical requisites which cannot otherwise be obtained without undue delay, but not for ordinary shopping, nor the conveyance of persons to weddings, entertainments, or purposes of recreation. Ambulance work is not intended to include taking convalescent soldiers for drives. The police have power to stop any vehicle and question the person in charge, if they have reason to think petrol is being used in contravention of the Order.