§ 49. Captain Pilkingtonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cars have been towed or 583 driven away by the Metropolitan Police since the recent order came into force.
§ The Secretary of State for the Home Department and Lord Privy Seal (Mr. R. A. Butler)I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that during the period from 1st May, 1957, when the Removal of Vehicles (England and Wales) Regulations, 1957, came into force, to 30th June, 1958, 12,675 vehicles were removed from the roads in the Metropolitan Police District.
§ Captain PilkingtonIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that this Order is being interpreted in the way which was originally intended? Much as we admire the general work of the police, does he not think that far too many cars are being towed away which do not cause an obstruction in any intelligent interpretation of the word?
§ Mr. ButlerNo, Sir. I am satisfied that this is a useful piece of work. The removal of these vehicles has resulted in a reduction in dangerous parking, especially in parking at road junctions and on pedestrian crossings and at their approaches. There has been some improvement noticeable in traffic circulation.