§ 76. Mr. Crowderasked the Home Secretary what instructions are issued to the Metropolitan Police with regard to cars parked outside other people's houses; and, in particular, whether, in the event of a "no parking" sign being exhibited out side a house, the police are instructed, at the request of the householder concerned, to oblige car owners who park their cars in defiance of such notice to move them away?
§ Mr. LloydThe police have standing instructions to the effect that they must use every effort to reduce to a minimum the obstruction to the circulation of traffic caused by standing vehicles. A single car standing outside private premises does not 33 necessarily constitute obstruction, and the question whether or not obstruction is in fact being caused does not depend on the exhibition of privately erected "no parking" signs which are not authorised by law.
§ Mr. CrowderWhile appreciating what the law is as regards obstruction by these vehicles, is the hon. Gentleman aware of the annoyance and inconvenience caused to householders by unauthorised people leaving their cars outside other people's front doors and in unauthorised parking places, so that the owners of the houses cannot get to their own front doors? Cannot the hon. Member give the police some power in this matter?
§ Mr. LloydThe Metropolitan Police general orders do contain instructions which enable the police to take action in regard to cars standing outside houses and preventing the owners of the houses from reaching them and in regard to cars which habitually make use of unauthorised parking places.
§ Mr. MaxtonIs there any difference in the treatment of a person who owns a car leaving it outside his own door as opposed to a third party?
§ Mr. LloydYes, Sir, obviously. The instance I gave was of cars which were in a position outside houses which prevented the owners of the houses from reaching them.
§ Mr. MaxtonDoes not a car outside a person's own house obstruct the street as much as anybody else's car would?
§ Colonel Sir Charles MacAndrewIs my hon. Friend aware that although the police may have instructions to deal with this matter, in point of fact they refuse to do so?
§ Mr. LloydIf my hon. and gallant Friend has any specific complaints which he will bring to my attention, I will bring them to the attention of the Commissioner of Police.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsHas my hon. Friend met anybody who has not done this from time to time?
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithWhat special rights has the frontager over any other motor-car owner who stops outside his door?
§ Mr. MacquistenCan we not rely upon the common sense of the police?
§ Mr. Craven-EllisIs it not a fact that all streets are dedicated to the public, and therefore how can any distinction be made for frontagers?