HC Deb 07 April 1955 vol 539 cc1325-6
57. Mr. Russell

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will have a census taken of the traffic using the entrances and exits to Hyde Park at Hyde Park Corner, especially at peak hours in the morning and evening.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Hugh Molson)

No, Sir. Sufficient information is already available.

Mr. Russell

Will my hon. Friend consider making the centre gate at the entrance to Hyde Park reversible, because in the early mornings there is much traffic coming out of the Park whereas there is comparatively little going in at other times of the day? By means of the middle gate we could make better use of the entrance in the early mornings and at night.

Mr. Molson

I think my hon. Friend is aware that my right hon. Friend is hoping to carry out very radical alterations to the whole of the traffic arrangements at Hyde Park Corner and in Park Lane.

Mr. K. Robinson

Is the hon. Gentleman able to assure the House that the information of his Department is sufficiently detailed for him to be able to say that the revised scheme for Hyde Park and the Park Lane Boulevard will be able to cope with the traffic demand that will be made on them?

Mr. Molson

It is always difficult to give an assurance that statistics are sufficient to enable one to prophesy, but I can say that the information on the subject is very complete.

Mr. Russell

As obviously it will be some time before this new scheme will be brought in, will my hon. Friend consider my suggestion as a temporary measure for the relief of congestion?

Mr. Molson

We are hoping that the larger scheme will be undertaken in the not very remote future, and I do not think it would be desirable to carry out any interim alterations.