Essex Newsman 14 Oct 1933: Frederick William Collis convicted of driving without care and attention
ROYAL TRAIN DRIVERALLEGED CARELESS
CAR DRIVING
At Chelmsford Petty Session to-day (Friday), before J. O. Thompson, Esq., Lady Rasch, F. A. Wells, F. Spalding, and G. L. N. Ridley, Esqrs., Fredk. Wm. Collis, Hauxton Road, Trumpington, Cambridge, who for three years has been the driver of the Royal train on the L.N.E.R., was summoned for driving a car without care and attention at Great Baddow on Sept. 3.
Defendant wrote that owing to his duties he could not attend the Court.
Leslie Ronald Gyton, Hawkwell, said he was in a car driven by his wife. They passed through Great Baddow. It was a straight piece of road. He saw two cars approaching. The cars were proceeding at about 30 miles per hour. One car seemed to intend to pass the other. Witness expected him to draw back, but he did not do so. If witness’s car had remained on the road this car would have struck them. The car did not give way, so witness’s wife was obliged to drive on the grass verge. The car did not stop, but witness took its number.
Mrs Gyton corroborated, and said defendant’s car “just came as if we weren’t there.”
The Deputy-Clerk (Mr. H. E. Hood) read the following letter from Mr Collis: - “I have been a driver on the London and North Eastern Railway for many years and three years ago I was appointed Royal driver. As recently as last Monday, Oct. 9, I brought His Majesty from King’s Cross to King’s Lynn. If I were not a careful driver I should not be allowed that privilege and honour. I have driven a motor car for ten years, and have never been spoken to or complained of in any way. I do not drive fast, as I only use my little car for pleasure.
“I remember the incident complained of. I was behind an Austin car, which signalled me to pass, but before I could do so another car came round the bend some little distance ahead without sounding a horn. As soon as I saw the oncoming car I slowed down and gave as much room as possible. To the best of my knowledge I was partly behind the Austin and partly in the middle of the road, and I think my accuser had room to pass without going on to the grass verge with one wheel. Had my accuser sounded a horn before taking the bend I should have heard it, as there were no other cars about at the moment. If I caused my accuser any inconvenience I am very sorry, but I had no idea I had done so. Please accept my apology for not attending, as my turn of duty makes it almost impossible so early in the morning.”
Mrs. Gyton said the incident did not happen near a bend.
P.c. Saines said the alleged offence occurred on the straight.
After retirement the Bench convicted, and the defendant was fined £3 and £2/3/6 costs.