HC Deb 21 January 1959 vol 598 cc196-7
37. Mr. Ernest Davies

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he will state the amounts raised under car parking schemes to the latest available date that have been allocated to the provision of off-street parking in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act, 1956; and if he will list such car parks.

Mr. Nugent

Responsibility for the allocation of surplus revenues from car parking schemes under the Road Traffic Act of 1956 rests with the local authorities concerned. One such scheme has been in operation in north-west Mayfair since 10th July, 1958. The surplus revenue cannot be computed until the end of the financial year, and Westminster City Council has not yet considered such allocation.

Mr. Davies

Does not the hon. Gentleman recall that when Parliament agreed to these parking schemes, which included the installation of parking meters and charging for parking on the highway, it did so only on condition that the money was used as speedily as possible for the provision of off-street parking? Is it not a fact that the full value of these parking schemes is not being realised as long as there is no parking off the streets?

Mr. Nugent

We certainly wish to see off-street parking schemes come along with the parking meter schemes, but it is for the local authority concerned when it has seen what revenue it gets to draw up its schemes to conform with the 1956 Act.