HC Deb 20 February 1922 vol 150 cc1509-10
58. Mr. GILBERT

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether he has received representations from the London County Council as to the danger of other traffic passing tramcars which have stopped for the purpose of landing or embarking passengers at regular stopping-places fixed by the police for these purposes; whether he has any power to make regulations to deal with this matter; and, if not, will he consider whether such powers should be obtained in view of the great danger of accidents in London owing to the increase of fast motor traffic on all tramway routes?

Mr. NEAL

Representations to the effect stated have been received, and it has been suggested that a Regulation should be made requiring vehicles passing on the near side of a stationary tram- car to slow down whilst so doing. It is doubtful whether the Ministry of Transport has power to make such a Regulation, and in any case it seems undesirable to do so. It would be difficult to enforce it effectively in view of the large number of tramcar stopping places, and in the opinion of the police authorities, whom I have consulted, would probably lead to more accidents than would be prevented.

Sir F. HALL

Are any steps being taken to do away with difficulties owing to the general congestion of the streets in London?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

Seeing that this suggested rule is being carried out throughout the whole of the British Empire and the United States, should it be difficult to enforce in London?

Mr. NEAL

The police have a very clear view that it would lead to more accidents than it would prevent, and, there being very great doubt whether there is any legal authority in the Ministry to interfere, I do not feel it incumbent upon me to take any action.

Sir F. HALL

Does the hon. Gentleman remember that he sat on a Select Committee with regard to this case of the general conditions of London traffic? Does he propose to take any steps to carry out the suggestions of the Report of that Committee?

Viscount CURZON

Is it not a fact that it would only add to the prevailing congestion of traffic throughout London?

Mr. NEAL

It would probably lead to further congestion. As to the Select Committee presided over by the late Mr. Kennedy Jones, it has not been found possible to bring its recommendations into operation. They would need legislation, and I think the whole question of dealing with London traffic is inextricably mixed up with questions of local government in London.

Sir F. HALL rose

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Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. and gallant Gentleman should put down any further questions.