§ 81. Captain BRASSasked the Minister of Transport whether, in view of the increasing congestion in the London streets, he will consider the suggestion of sending some police officers to Paris to study the French methods of traffic control by means of single-direction roads and electric signals, which methods are becoming increasingly efficient in that city?
Mr. LOCKER-LAMPSONI have been asked to reply to this question. My right hon. Friend is considering the suggestion in consultation with the Commissioner of Police.
§ Captain BRASSIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in Paris the intervals of holding up traffic are much more frequent than in London, and that, consequently, the acceleration of traffic is much better?
§ 82. Captain BRASSasked the Minister of Transport whether he could issue instructions for Lower Regent Street and the Haymarket, which are now being turned into single-direction roads by the police during certain hours of the evening, to be opened right across for the one-way traffic, as is the practice in Paris, as the present method of closing one-half of the road altogether has the effect of halving the size of the road?
§ Colonel ASHLEYThe traffic arrangements at present in operation in Lower Regent Street and the Haymarket during certain hours of the evening have been instituted to meet the special requirements of theatre traffic. I am informed that they are working quite satisfactorily, and I am advised that the use of the whole thoroughfare in each case for one-way traffic, as suggested by my hon. and gallant friend, would not be likely to produce such satisfactory results. The remainder of the street is, moreover, of considerable value for the temporary accommodation of vehicles. The suggestion, however, will be borne in mind.