HC Deb 22 May 1950 vol 475 cc1638-9
58. Mr. Black

asked the Minister of Transport whether he will consider extending the period of permitted parking in the car parks in the London area in which parking is at present restricted to two hours.

Mr. Barnes

No, Sir. Parking places are appointed on highways in busy areas to relieve traffic congestion in the nearby main thoroughfares. They provide convenient places for motorists to leave their cars for short periods while making business or other calls. They are not intended for long-period parking and in view of the great pressure on car parking space in London their use for this purpose would restrict their value to motorists generally.

Mr. Black

Does the right hon. Gentleman not realise that in a great many cases the period of parking could very well be extended without any undue congestion and with very great convenience to the public?

Mr. Barnes

My reply points out just the opposite. As a matter of fact, the authorities in and around the West End have provided many permanent parking spaces which are not adequately filled.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Will the Minister consider improving the signs. Some of these ridiculous yellow area signs are invisible.