HC Deb 16 June 1947 vol 438 cc1562-3
9. Vice-Admiral Taylor

asked the Minister of Transport if he will have those side streets where motor cars are permitted to park suitably marked, so as to assist the private motorist in carrying out the law.

Mr. Barnes

Authorised parking places on public highways are indicated by a standard sign. Elsewhere, no person in charge of a motor vehicle should leave it standing on the highway if it is likely to cause unnecessary obstruction.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

What is the interpretation of "a highway"? It is clearly laid down where one may not park, but it is not laid down where motorists may park off main streets. It is most necessary that there should be somewhere to park?

Mr. Barnes

Throughout London generally, the "free parking" sign is an official indication of a parking place. Motorists have been inclined to park all over the place.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Is it not a fact that motorists are permitted to park in certain side streets within 40 feet of the main road?

Mr. Barnes

No, Sir. There has been a general inclination to park cars anywhere on the highway, and that is why these restrictions are being tried out at the present moment.

Mr. W. J. Brown

Would it be reasonable to suppose that we are permitted to park cars except where prohibited from parking cars?

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does the Minister give official approval and encouragement to the system of parking cars on one side of the street on even dates and on the other on odd dates? Certain local authorities have adopted this system but others have not. Has the Minister laid down any rule in regard to this system?

Mr. Barnes

No hard and fast rule has been laid down, but co-operation is taking place with local authorities to develop a system of that character.

Mr. Nicholson

Will the Minister go so far as to say that he wishes this system to be encouraged and adopted more widely?

Mr. Barnes

I certainly think it is an improvement.

Vice-Admiral Taylor

Will the Minister consider allowing cars to park in very broad streets, such as Oxford Street, which would not inconvenience anyone in any way at all?