§ 62. Mr. Gammansasked the Minister of Transport if he will investigate to what extent there has been a speeding up of traffic between Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch since Park Lane has temporarily been made a one-way street; and if he will consider making permanent the present arrangement.
§ Mr. BarnesI am satisfied that a one-way scheme between Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch does speed up the flow of vehicles. There is a long-term scheme for the improvement of traffic conditions between Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch, but this cannot be undertaken at present and I cannot make the present arrangements permanent, as the road inside the Park is not strong enough to carry, for any length of time, the heavier bus traffic without reconstruction.
§ Mr. GammansAs this is one of the worst traffic jams in London, can the Minister say if it would be possible even to widen Park Lane, or when he expects the scheme he has mentioned actually to be ready?
§ Mr. BarnesNo, Sir. The cost of widening Park Lane would be so great that it would be better to proceed with the new scheme, which is an excellent proposal. I hope that before long it may be possible to produce a model showing the improvement, but I do not think that, in the meantime, we could undertake the cost which the hon. Member suggested.
§ Brigadier HeadAs this is such a congested area, was it wise to have both Hyde Park and Marble Arch up during this summer?
§ Mr. BarnesThis matter was considered very carefully by the Westminster City Council, who were anxious to do as many road repairs as possible this year in order to ease their programme next year during the Festival of Britain.