36. Lieut.-Colonel Sir FREDERICK HALLasked the Minister of Transport when Whitcomb Street, between Coventry Street and Panton Street, was widened; what was the cost involved, and by whom this was borne; whether he is aware that, as the result of this portion of the widened street being used as a parking place for motor vehicles, the value of the improvement for through traffic purposes has been nullified; and whether his Department is responsible for this use being made of the widened roadway?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI am informed that the widening referred to by my hon. and gallant Friend was carried out in the years 1889–90 at a cost of£18,462 17s. 6d., which was borne as to one-half by the London County Council, and as to the other half by the Vestry of St. Martin-in- 192 the-Fields. This potion of Whitcomb Street is included in the list of parking places scheduled to the Regulation I have made under the London Traffic Act which, in this instance, merely regularised what had been the practice for some considerable time previously. The object of the Regulations was to strengthen vehicles waiting in more congested throughfares. As a result of experience gained and reprensentations received, the London Traffic Advisory Committee are reviewing the whole subject of parking places.