HC Deb 04 February 1959 vol 599 cc376-8
30. Mr. Jay

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further steps he is taking to speed up the installation of parking meters by local authorities in London.

Mr. Watkinson

Under the Road Traffic Act, 1956, the initiative in proposing parking meter schemes rests with local authorities.

The Westminster City Council has now advertised and made application to me for a further Order covering the remainder of Mayfair. My statutory position is that the rate at which new parking meter schemes can be introduced must depend not only on the rate at which applications from local authorities are received, but on the consideration which must be given to the availability of off-street parking.

Mr. Jay

Is the Minister aware that most of my constituents travel by public transport and that, owing to indiscriminate free parking all over London, it is becoming impossible for buses even to draw into the kerb along many main roads? Cannot he do something more effective to enable public transport to operate?

Mr. Watkinson

A great deal has been done. We have started the parking meter system and it has proved to be a great success. As I have said, other schemes are now coming forward. In fairness to motorists and in order to keep the streets clear, these schemes must be balanced with more off-street parking.

Mr. Ernest Davies

While we welcome the fact that further schemes are coming forward, may I ask the Minister whether he can do something to speed up the procedure for dealing with these schemes and laying the Orders before the House? Does he recall that when the Road Traffic Act was before the House, we on this side criticised the very lengthy procedure now being put into force? Are not our criticisms proving correct?

Mr. Watkinson

I think that householders and occupiers of business premises must have the right to object if they think that a meter adversely affects their interests, and I would not be willing to take away that right.

Mr. Jay

Is not it clear from American experience as well as ours that we do not get off-street parking until we get parking meters?

Mr. Watkinson

I am afraid that is rather like the argument about the chicken and the egg; we have to have both.