HC Deb 02 November 1930 vol 134 cc185-7
35. Commander Viscount CURZON

asked the Home Secretary whether he can ensure that police officers employed in controlling traffic, in main thoroughfares in London have in all cases full instructions as to where motor vehicles waiting in such thoroughfares should be parked while waiting; and can arrangements be made for motor vehicles to be under police supervision while so parked?

Sir J. BAIRO

The police do their best to direct drivers to suitable places for waiting, but they cannot, of course, guarantee that there is room in any particular place. Police supervision is given to waiting motor vehicles, so far as possible, but they cannot accept responsibility for vehicles left unattended.

Viscount CURZON

Seeing that the in structions with regard to the parking of motor vehicles in London are altered almost every week, cannot we have some definite publication showing where motor vehicles may be parked when waiting in important thoroughfares?

Sir J. BAIRD

I am afraid I cannot agree with my Noble Friend that the regulations arc, altered weekly. I do not think that anything more can be done. The police have to use common-sense, and do the best they can for the convenience of the public.

Mr. J. JONES

Will the hon. Gentleman provide better accommodation at the police courts for Members of the House against whom proceedings are taken under the Act?

Sir J. BAIRD

I think the ordinary accommodation is quite good enough.

36. Viscount CURZON

asked the Home Secretary whether any special instructions have recently been issued to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police in respect to the control of the speed of motor vehicle traffic; and whether it is intended to carry out any experiments with the automatic electric light control system in the Metropolitan Police area such as is used at night in towns in certain foreign countries?

Sir J. BAIRD

No special instructions of the nature indicated have recently been issued to the Commissioner. If the second part of the question refers to what is known in America as the traffic towers, the Commissioner of Police does not propose, at any rate at present, to experiment with these in London.

37. Viscount CURZON

asked the Home Secretary how many controls were in operation in the Metropolitan Police Area for timing of motor vehicles exceeding the speed limit between a.m. and p.m; how many controls for the detection of cases of driving to the common danger was instituted; how many police officers were employed in each case; how many cases of exceeding the speed limit were reported; how many cases of dangerous driving either by control or officers on point duties were reported; and in what areas most of these offences were reported?

Sir J. BAIRD

During the week-end a.m. 30th October to p.m. 1st November two controls were operated to detect infringements of the speed limit; six officers were employed, and seven cases of excessive speed were reported for prosecution. Five controls were in operation to detect cases of dangerous driving, and four officers were employed. Four cases of dangerous driving were reported by officers on control duties and eight by officers employed on traffic or fixed point duties. The greatest number of cases was reported in the inner area.