§ 32. Mr. CAMPBELLasked the Minister of Transport if he can now make any definite statement as to the working of the one-way traffic experiment in London, and more especially as to its effect on the shopping centres?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIf, as I assume to be the case, my hon. Friend refers to 865 the "roundabout" systems of traffic control which have been put into operation in London, I think there can be no doubt that from a traffic point of view they have proved very successful. The Westminster City Council have, however, informed me of complaints which they have received from shopkeepers in certain areas where these systems are working, to the effect that their trade has been adversely affected. In the case of one street, the Haymarket, the Council have asked for a reconsideration, and I am hopeful that a satisfactory arrangement may be reached.
Mr. MORRISONIn view of the recently published statistics showing an alarming increase in the number of traffic accidents in London, can the right hon. Gentleman assure the House that there is no connection between that state of affairs and this new roundabout system?
§ Colonel ASHLEYI have not known of anybody being directly injured by the roundabout system, and there has only been a very short time to get accustomed to it.