HC Deb 07 July 1899 vol 74 cc172-3
GENERAL LAURIE (Pembroke and Haverfordwest)

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the powers which the police possess and do use in reference to obstructions to traffic caused by vans being left standing unattended on the streets and whether they have any other power than that of summoning offenders, whilst the conviction and award of punishment for such offences at present rests entirely with the magistrates before whom the cases are brought.

* SIR M. WHITE RIDLEY

Under Section 54 of 2 and 3 Vict. cap. 43 the Metropolitan Police have power to arrest without warrant persons obstructing the roadway in the manner therein prohibited; but it is only in exceptional cases that it tis found advisable to adopt this summary mode of procedure. The conviction of an offender and the penalty to be inflicted on him are matters for the court before whom the charge is made.

GENERAL LAURIE

Can the police arrest the vans?

* SIR M. WHITE RIDLEY

Anyone breaking the law can be arrested summarily.

GENERAL LAURIE

But how about the unattended vans?

[No answer was given.]