§ 42. Mr. H. G. WILLIAMSasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the continued congestion in Oxford Road, Putney, owing to the siting of the omnibus rank opposite to the taximeter-cab rank; that at 9 a.m. on 17th November there were four omnibuses at rest on one side of the road and eight taximeter-cabs on the other side, and that the effective width of the road was so reduced that one-way traffic resulted; and, seeing that no attempt appears to have been made to give effect to the undertaking given in the House of Commons on 29th July last to modify the conditions, will he now undertake not to initiate any prosecutions for obstruction against any persons whose vehicles are causing less obstruction than that which he has sanctioned in Oxford Road, Putney?
§ Mr. LLOYDAs the hon. Member was informed in reply to his question on 29th July last, the readjustment of the cab rank in Oxford Road would necessarily take some time. The Commissioner of Police informs me that the Wandsworth Borough Council will consider on the 24th instant a proposal to resite a refuge in Putney High Street which is a necessary preliminary to increasing the standing for cabs in that street and thus allowing the number of cabs standing in Oxford Road to be reduced from nine to six as a permanent measure. Meanwhile the Commissioner has decided as a tempoarry measure to reduce the number of cabs standing in Oxford Road from nine to six. A police officer will be posted in that road to prevent overlapping between the cabs and the buses and generally to secure the free passage of traffic.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSDoes the hon. Gentleman think that, when the road is still blocked with six vehicles on one side and four on the other, it will be possible for traffic to proceed properly, and will he give an undertaking that he will not prosecute other people for minor offences while he is himself authorising this scandalous offence every day in this street?
§ Mr. LLOYDWhile not agreeing with the hon. Member regarding minor offences, I would remind him that a permanent solution of the matter awaits the decision of the Wandsworth Borough Council, and that the Commissioner has taken the special measures I have mentioned mainly as a result of my hon. Friend's representations.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that the only solution is to shift the buses to the top of the hill, and that the only thing which prevents that is that the bus company does not want to pay the cost of the petrol?