§ 55. Sir PARK GOFFasked the Minister of Transport whether, in order to deal with vehicular congestion in the Metropolitan area and to reduce preventible obstruction to moving traffic as 669 well as causes of accidents, he will consult with local authorities with the object of restoring public thoroughfares to the purposes for which they were originally intended, by forbidding their use as parking places or garages for motor vehicles?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAI am in sympathy with my hon. Friend's view that the King's highway is constructed and maintained at the public expense to provide a free passage for traffic, and that owners desirous of leaving their vehicles should, wherever possible, use garages. If my hon. Friend has in mind any parking places which seriously impede the movement of traffic and will communicate with me, I shall be glad to have them reviewed.
§ Sir ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELIs the hon. Gentleman aware that not only does this practice of garaging cars in the thoroughfares affect moving traffic, but it encroaches upon the rights of pedestrians, as he can see for himself if he goes to most streets in the Metropolis?
§ Mr. HORE-BELISHAYes, Sir, it is one of the most powerful causes of accidents.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELHear, hear