§ 64. Captain John Crowderasked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider amending the regulations so as to enable motorists to park their cars in well-lit streets in built-up areas without lights.
§ Mr. BarnesI have no power to exempt vehicles standing on roads from the requirements of the Road Transport Lighting Act, 1927, except on parking 32 places specially set aside for that purpose. Under the Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, 1936, the police authority can consent to the parking of vehicles without lights on any part of a road so set aside if satisfied that it is adequately lighted.
§ Captain CrowderMay I point out that I put this Question down to the Home Secretary and that it has been transferred to the Minister of Transport? Will the Minister have a word with the Home Secretary and ask him to have a look at this again so as to give the police a little more discretion in the matter because it seems to me, from letters from my constituents, that discrimination is very often exercised against the motorist? Will he bear in mind that it is impossible to keep the batteries of cars charged on the small amount of petrol allowed?
§ Mr. BarnesI will certainly consult my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.
§ Mr. KeelingHas the Minister any information whether, away from parking places, the police enforce the rule rigidly or refrain from prosecuting where there is virtually no danger?
§ Mr. BarnesI am afraid I could not answer that question directly.
§ Mr. Leslie HaleCan the Minister say how "a built-up area without lights" can be well-lit?
§ Dr. SegalWould it not be possible to mark some urban roads with "Lay-by" signs, as is done in certain country roads, in order to enable drivers to park their cars without lights?