§ 19. Mr. Russellasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what plans exist for improving the flow of traffic at Oxford Circus.
§ Mr. MolsonNo long-term plan for the improvement of Oxford Circus is included in the development plan of the London County Council. We have, however, been considering prohibiting all right-hand turns at Oxford Circus. The Road Research Laboratory at our request has considered this proposal and has prepared a report which we have circulated to the local authorities, the police and the London Transport Executive, but their views have not all as yet been received.
§ Mr. RussellWhile that plan will obviously do something to ease the congestion, is the Minister not aware that it does not eliminate the cross traffic? What proposal has he for achieving that, bearing in mind that there is a London Transport scheme now to reconstruct Oxford Circus station in such a way that it will be impossible in the future to put an underpass there, and will he give that serious consideration?
§ Mr. MolsonWe are giving this matter careful consideration, and we are also considering the possibility of introducing one-way traffic there, but so far we have not been able to arrive at any proposals which are really likely to bring about any substantial improvement. I am afraid that we have to face the fact that the volume of traffic at a focal point of that kind really makes it impossible to bring about any very free movement of traffic.
§ Mr. SharplesCan my hon. Friend say whether he has given up the idea entirely of building an underpass at this important intersection?
§ Mr. MolsonI have not given up the idea because I have never had it.