Adrian Morton looks back at Safeguard Coaches, and takes a trip on one of the operator’s former vehicles
Safeguard Coaches celebrated its centenary in 2024, so it seems rather fitting that we feature a one-time Safeguard Leyland Leopard that recently took a prowl over one of its former routes.
The company was started by Arthur Newman in 1924, who set up as a haulier after the First World War. He later fitted a 28-seat-charabanc body to an accident damaged coal lorry and offered excursions marketed as ‘The Safeguard Coaches.’ It was clearly a success, as within two years three further vehicles had joined the fleet.
During the late 1920s, new homes were being built on the Aldershot Road and Arthur began running a bus service linking them to Guildford town centre. After many a tussle with the towns incumbent operator, the Aldershot & District Traction Company, the two operators formalised an agreement that protected Aldershot & District’s operating area.
The introduction in 1930 of licensing for local buses services bought a degree of stability. It meant, however, that the only way in which operators could expand was through acquisition. Several attempts were made by Aldershot & District to buy the company but these were always declined.
Fast forward to the years post the Second World War and the 1950s saw further significant housing developments being established in the town. Its Westborough route was extended as the Park Barn estate grew. New buses became available and these together with good-quality second hand coaches meant that by 1955 all pre-war and wartime vehicles had been sold.
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