§ 78. Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport what steps are being taken, in conjunction with the First Commissioner of Works, to relieve the increasing congestion of traffic at Victoria Gate, Hyde Park; and whether he is aware that considerable relief would be afforded by making a roundabout just inside the park, with additional gates to the west of the flower bed adjoining Victoria Gate, and by the widening of Victoria Gate itself in order to take two additional lines of traffic?
Captain HUDSONSchemes embodying the features suggested by my hon. Friend have been discussed with the First Commissioner of Works, but owing to the very considerable sacrifice of park amenities it was not felt possible to press them. Recent inspections have indicated the necessity for a further review of the position, and my Department is now engaged in preparing a further scheme.
§ Sir W. DAVISONWhile obliged to my hon. and gallant Friend for his answer, may I ask him whether he is aware that between 5 o'clock and 8 o'clock every evening there is a triple block of traffic between the Marble Arch and this gate and another from the Magazine to the gate, showing the great urgency of this matter; and, meanwhile, during the preparation of these plans, will he communicate with the Commissioner of Police with the idea of stopping the traffic crossing the road to Brooke Street and Hyde Park Gardens and making it go westwards?
Captain HUDSONI will study my hon. Friend's supplementary question when it appears in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. THURTLEWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman convey to the Minister of Transport the fact that there are still people in London who walk, and suggest that he ought not to be concerned entirely with the convenience of motor-car users?
§ Sir W. DAVISONBut the pedestrians cannot get through three lines of traffic.