§ 23. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in view of the delay in carrying out the proposed road improvements at Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch, what steps he is taking to prevent the congestion, frequently caused even in off-peak hours, by intersecting streams of traffic bringing one another to a complete standstill.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI think that in all the circumstances the present arrangements at Hyde Park are as good as can be managed until the road works are done. I understand from the Commissioner that police are always on duty during the busy traffic hours at these places, and that conditions at off-peak hours do not normally give rise to undue difficulties.
§ Mr. RussellIs my right hon. Friend aware that even at off-peak hours both these junctions are very busy and that sometimes traffic gets completely interlocked? In circumstances like that, does not he think that the roundabout system breaks down and that traffic lights would be a much better way of regulating the traffic?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThat is not entirely the view of my experts. I think the present arrangement is about the best we can provide until we alter the whole system.