§ 38. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation to what extent the institution of parking meters is being adopted in the Metropolitan Police Area; and what representations he has had against these devices.
§ Mr. WatkinsonA number of local authorities are now at various stages in the consideration and preparation of schemes. Since provisions for parking meters first appeared in the Road Traffic Act I have received a variety of representations about them both from interested bodies and from individuals. Local authority schemes now in preparation will allow ample opportunity for objections to be considered.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the many representations of a critical nature, does the Minister not agree that it is just as well to go very cautiously with this innovation?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI do not agree at all. These parking meter schemes are absolutely necessary for the improvement of London's traffic situation, and I am 100 per cent. behind any local authority that wants to bring one forward.
Mrs. JegerTo what extent is the right hon. Gentleman asking local authorities to link parking meter schemes with more off-street parking facilities? Is he aware that these are diminishing rather than increasing in Central London and that this is the crux of the problem?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI think that the hon. Lady will agree that experience shows in other countries that very large sums of revenue are recovered from parking meters. It is this revenue which, under the Act, must be devoted to providing for more off-street parking.