HC Deb 31 March 1952 vol 498 cc1169-71
40. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Minister of Transport when he proposes to introduce regulations enforcing unilateral parking in Sackville Street.

41. Mr. J. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Transport if he is now in a position to state whether he will introduce unilateral parking in streets where parking on both sides of the street at present limits traffic to a single line in one direction.

The Minister of Transport (Mr. John Maclay)

I am still considering proposals for unilateral waiting in certain streets in London, including Sackville Street. I hope to reach an early decision.

Mr. Shepherd

Can my hon. Friend say how long we have to wait for this very obvious reform? Has it not been clear for many years that this reform was needed, and why is it necessary to go on waiting year after year for it?

Mr. Maclay

I realise that this matter has been under consideration for a very considerable time, but the report I have received raises some very difficult questions, such as access to premises, and I feel that one must be quite certain about what one is doing before one does it.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is my hon. Friend aware that the stoppages that occur in these streets are a very real source not only of irritation but of high cost to transport users, and if he is not sure on that point will he look at the report of the London Passenger Transport Board?

Mr. Maclay

I can assure my hon. Friend that I am very well aware of it, and I am myself constantly irritated by it.

42. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he takes to make known to motorists in what streets in London cars may be parked without lights at night.

Mr. Maclay

I have authorised the erection of a sign "No lights required" at those street parking places where the Commissioner of Police has given his consent to vehicles standing without lights. I understand that the motoring organisations have made lists of such parking places available to their members.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Is my hon. Friend aware that this matter has been a source of great irritation to the Metropolitan Police, who in the dark hours spend a great deal of their time chasing cars away from streets where people did not know they were not allowed to park them?

Mr. Maclay

I hope that particular source of irritation will very soon be removed.

Colonel Sir Leonard Ropner

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Metropolitan Police are administering this matter very reasonably, and can he give an assurance that this Question will not put them on their toes and lead them to institute prosecutions in respect of streets where they have hitherto allowed cars to be parked without lights?

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