HC Deb 26 March 1958 vol 585 cc410-1
37. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what recommendations he has given to, or what consultations have taken place with, local authorities and the London Transport Executive in respect of the provision of more adequate parking places in the Greater London area in order to encourage motorists to park their cars in those areas instead of driving into and parking in the inner London area.

Mr. Nugent

The London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee is at present considering this problem in consultation with local authorities in the London Traffic Area. I expect its advice within the next few months.

We are in close touch with the British Transport Commission on this question and London Transport plans increases which will in total double the capacity available over three years ago.

Mr. Sorensen

While thanking the Minister for that reply, which is encouraging, may I ask him whether he is aware that in many areas round London, and especially outer London, the congestion is becoming most acute, and that certainly it will help local authorities in this area and the central London area if the inquiry is speeded up?

Mr. Nugent

Yes, Sir. We are well aware of the urgency of it, and we are pressing the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee in the matter, and the Transport Commission. We are most anxious to make the best provision we can.