HC Deb 25 March 1959 vol 602 c1314
33. Captain Pilkington

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation what further progress has been made with the proposal to reconstruct Hyde Park Corner, Park Lane and Marble Arch.

Mr. Watkinson

The Government have approved the scheme prepared by the London County Council, and is making a grant of over £4 million towards the cost, which is estimated at £5.8 million. The preparatory work of diverting the mains and cables under Hyde Park Corner started last September, and I understand that the London County Council hopes to begin the main works this autumn. These will include the conversion of Park Lane into a twin carriageway road, greatly enlarged one-way systems at Hyde Park Corner and Marble Arch and a four-lane underpass between Knightsbridge and Piccadilly. The London County Council expects to complete the scheme, which will be the most comprehensive road improvement in London for fifty years, in 1962.

Captain Pilkington

While welcoming the progress made, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether he expects very much traffic dislocation when the later stages are reached?

Mr. Watkinson

My hon. and gallant Friend correctly surmises that we cannot carry out a big scheme like this without some dislocation. I am glad to say that the London County Council and my Ministry are trying to work out a special scheme of traffic diversion which will minimise the difficulty.