Catalogue Number
NMLH.1995.85.5
Object Name
Licence
Title
DRIVING LICENSE/ NO. 19060 ... ARTHUR SANDFORD ...
Place
Blackburn & Lancashire & England & UK
People
Sandford, Arthur
Events
War & World War II
Description
World War II (1939-1945) had a considerable effect on motoring in Britain. The government introduced a wide range of regulations. It was the need to ration petrol that prompted many of the measures. The public were urged to drive only when necessary, and driving tests were suspended. Also, a 20 mph speed limit during the hours of darkness was introduced to try and cut down on the number of road accidents due to the blackout. German night-time bombing during the Blitz made it necessary that all urban lighting should be switched off, that is 'blacked out' . Road signs were removed in case of enemy invasion.
This driving licence, renewed for 1940-1941, belonged to a driver resident in Blackburn, Lancashire, and was issued by Blackburn County Borough Council. Those who had passed their test before the outbreak of war could renew their driving licence. This licence was only renewed again in 1948. We know that the owner was on active service in the army during the war.
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