HC Deb 13 February 1957 vol 564 cc1254-5
23. Lieut.-Colonel Schofield

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the hardship caused to disabled drivers of motor vehicles by the increase of "No Parking" notices in urban areas; and whether he will make regulations under which motor vehicles in the charge of such drivers can carry a special badge and be permitted to park for reasonably short periods in restricted streets, to enable the disabled drivers to do essential shopping and other business.

Mr. Watkinson

I am well aware of the difficulties that these restrictions can create for disabled drivers. The police habitually show them every consideration, and I think that is preferable to a legal exemption which might well lead to abuse and difficulty.

Lieut.-Colonel Schofield

Will my right hon. Friend agree that policemen are very often difficult to find when required by a disabled driver? Comparatively few cars would be affected by a concession of this kind. Would he not have a look at the matter again?

Mr. Watkinson

Yes, I will certainly have a look at it again, but I do not think that legislation is the right answer.

28. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what action has been taken following his discussions with the Standing Joint Committee of the Metropolitan boroughs to carry out the general recommendations in the interim report of the committee on the parking survey of inner London.

Mr. Watkinson

I met representatives of the Standing Joint Committee of the Metropolitan boroughs on 7th February and had a full discussion with them on parking generally and parking meters in particular. The Committee assured me of its readiness to co-operate.

Under the Road Traffic Act, 1956, action now rests with the local authorities; I have no reason to suppose they will be backward in submitting schemes to me.

Mr. Davies

While I am grateful for that reply, may I ask the Minister whether he cannot use his powers to see that the recommendations in the interim Report on parking within inner London are carried out as speedily as possible and without necessarily waiting for the installation of parking meters? Surely there are a number of recommendations on increasing restrictions on parking which, if they were instituted speedily, would assist in a solution of the problem.

Mr. Watkinson

If the hon. Member will study my Answer to the previous Question, he will see that that is exactly what I am doing.