37. Sir F. HALLasked the Minister of Transport the respective lengths of Class I and Class II roads in the County of London; what proportions of such lengths are restricted for omnibus traffic under the London Traffic Act, 1924; what was the number of omnibuses plying for hire in London in 1924; what reduction has been made in that number under orders or regulations made by his Department; and whether he has under consideration any proposals for increase in the present number of omnibuses in the central area?
§ Colonel ASHLEYIn view of the inevitable length of the reply, I will with my hon. and gallant Friend's permission circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The respective lengths of Class I and Class II roads in the County of London (including the City) are 262 miles and 128 miles. Information as to the length of such roads which have been restricted under Section 7 of the London Traffic Act, 1924, is not available, but it may be assumed that nearly all Class I and Class II roads in the county area and in the City are restricted, either directly or indirectly by reason of the restriction of other streets giving access to them. The number of omnibuses plying for hire in London at the end of 1924 was approximately 4,500. No reduction has been made in the aggregate number of omnibuses thus plying for hire, but owing to Regulations made in respect of certain tramway routes, 57 omnibuses have been withdrawn from service on those routes. The proprietors have been permitted to 1678 place these vehicles into service again on other routes which are not congested. No proposals are under consideration for increasing the aggregate number of omnibuses in service in the central area.