HC Deb 10 April 1957 vol 568 cc1106-7
30. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will introduce one-way traffic in central London.

Mr. Watkinson

One-way working is already in force in 267 streets in the inner area of London. If my hon. Friend has any particular streets in mind perhaps he would let me know.

Mr. Crouch

I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply. I have in mind central London itself. Will he consider having one-way traffic along Piccadilly, Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Park Lane? Petrol will be coming off ration before the year is out, and yesterday the Chancellor said he anticipated an increase of £2 million in the revenue from motor taxation. In view of that, it seems that before the summer is out the traffic in central London will be brought to a complete standstill.

Mr. Watkinson

My hon. Friend's idea is fascinating. It is a rather radical solution for the inner London traffic problem, but I will certainly examine it.

Mr. Usborne

Is not the only permanent solution to the problem of traffic jamming in central London to prevent private cars coming into it at all without special licences? Is there any other final solution?