§ 1. Lieut-Colonel Sir Thomas Mooreasked the Minister of Transport what recommendations he has received from the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee in regard to the traffic congestion in central London; and what steps he proposes taking to rectify the present confusion.
§ 16. Mr. Nigel Fisherasked the Minister of Transport when, and to what extent, he proposes to implement the findings of the Traffic Advisory Committee on traffic congestion in London.
§ The Minister of Transport (Mr. Barnes)I am most grateful to the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee for their valuable and far-reaching report, which was recently published. Their recommendations can be divided into four main categories: (1) those which would require new regulations and, in some instances, legislation; 2 (2) those which can be dealt with by administrative action; (3) the problem of parking; and (4) recommendations about street improvements.
I am giving this report close personal consideration, and I hope to make a statement about it in the near future.
§ Sir T. MooreWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the enormous increase in traffic which can be expected as a result of the Festival of Britain, and make his plans accordingly?
§ Mr. BarnesI am only too well aware of that. Apart from the Festival, I recognise that this is a permanent problem which must be dealt with.
§ Mr. FisherWhile I am glad to hear the Minister say that, might I ask whether he will consider carrying out as quickly as possible those recommendations which do not involve the expenditure of large sums of money?
§ Mr. BarnesYes. That is why, I have provided for various forms of treatment.