§ 40. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans exist for relieving traffic congestion at Storey's Gate, Westminster, during peak hours.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (Mr. Hugh Molson)We have invited the Westminster City Council to submit a scheme for widening the carriageway at the western end of Great George Street. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Works is considering whether it is desirable, as part of such a scheme, to remove the park gates and widen the carriageway in Birdcage Walk.
§ Mr. RussellWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that reply, may I ask whether consideration has also been given to the possibility of one-way working and prohibiting one or two right turns at that junction?
§ Mr. MolsonNo, Sir, we have not considered that up to the present time. We think the structural alterations might be sufficient to reduce the congestion.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeOught not the opportunity to be taken of widening Great George Street, in view of the fact that the pavement bordering Government buildings there is unduly wide?
§ Mr. MolsonIt is not at present proposed to reduce the width of the pavement all the way along Great George Street. The proposal that we have put to the Westminster City Council is for reducing the width of the pavement at the west end.