Accrington on Rails - The Tramways: A Complete History - Robert Kenyon

operated a horse drawn tramway, which Accrington did not, as the terrain over which the horse-drawn cars would be required to operate was considered to be too hilly for the proper welfare of the animals.) The Act to Empower the Mayor, Aldermen & Burgesses of the Borough of Accrington to make Tramways in and near the Borough and for other purposes, was given assent on July 12 th 1882 . ( I have included selected Clauses from 68 contained within this Act for reference purposes .) 1. Gave the Corporation powers to purchase or dispose of tracts of land, providing they did not at any time amount to more than 2 acres. 2. Set down the laying of single lines, with those sections of double line clearly shown on the plans including, points, crossings, turnouts, carriage sheds, stables, building works and conveniences therewith, using all proper rails, plates, sleepers and turntables. 3. That the Tramway had to be completed within two years of the passing of this Act. 4. That it could not be opened to the public until it had been passed by the Board of Trade Inspector. 5. That the carriages could be drawn by ‘animal’ power during an initial period of 7 years and thereafter for a further period of 7 years by steam traction. 6. Anyone using other than these specified powers for the moving of carriages contrary to this Act would be liable to a fine not exceeding £10, and £5 for every day thereafter. 7. That the Board of Trade could, if thought necessary amend the Bye-Laws passed by the Corporation for the operation of the Tramways. 8. That the speed limits as set by the Board of Trade, would not be countermanded by any new Bye-Laws made by the Corporation. That the Board of Trade could, if thought necessary amend the Bye-Laws passed by the Corporation for the operation of the Tramways. All Orders and Bye-Laws made by the Corporation would have to be signed off by the Board of Trade’s Secretary or Assistant Secretary. That the Board of Trade could, if thought necessary amend the Bye-Laws passed by the Corporation for the operation of the Tramways. 9. The specifications regarding the rails, which the Board of Trade would determine. That the Board of Trade would have the say in whether the quality of the rails may have to be upgraded. 10.The Act contained statutes relating to the maintenance of the Tramway along with the highways and the penalties for failing to do so. Concerned further provisions for the excavation of the highways on which the lines were to be laid. That the lines must be kept to the level of the roadway. That the tramway must not impede the Sewer Authority from accessing the sewer system. Gave sanction to the addition of more crossing places if it was agreed they were necessary. Gave sanction to abandon and lift sections of the Tramway, whilst restoring the roadway back to its proper state. That materials excavated during the construction would remain the property of the Corporation. 11.Gave the authority to carry passengers, animals, goods and parcels. 12.This limited the fares to no more than 1 penny per mile or part thereof for the carriage of people. 13.For every horse, mule or other beast of draught or burden, not to exceed 3 pence per mile. For every ox, cow, or bull not to exceed 3 pence per mile. For every calf, pig, sheep and small animal, not to exceed 2 pence per mile. Animals, goods, minerals and parcels shall be carried set apart from the passengers. 14.For all coals, culm, cannel, limestone, chalk-limes, slates, clay, ironstone or scabbled stone for building, pitching and paving, slag, stone, salt, cinders and all undressed materials for the repair of public roads, not to exceed 2 pence per mile. For all pig-iron, bar-iron, sheet-iron, iron slabs, plate iron, rolled iron, wrought iron specifically cast herein, and for heavy castings [including railway chairs], tiles, bricks, coke, charcoals, dung, manure and compost not more than 4 pence per ton mile, and for all timber and wood not exceeding 3 pence per mile. 15.For all sugar, grain, cornflower, hides, dyewood, earthenware, staves, deals and metals

4