32. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Transport what consideration he has given to the need for local authorities to have powers to establish experimental parking schemes in towns outside London where serious traffic problems are involved; and whether he will include in his forthcoming traffic legislation such permissive powers to local authorities to carry out such schemes for a limited period, with a view to obtaining the widest possible practical experience in this field as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MarplesLocal Authorities have powers under the Public Health Act, 1925, to appoint parking places on and off the streets. In addition, certain local authorities can apply to me for orders under the Road Traffic Act, 1956, designating street parking places where charges may be made. I am considering ways in which these existing powers might be widened.
Mr. Gresham CookeWhile thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that it will be much appreciated if local authorities can have wider powers, because there are enterprising authorities with local schemes, such as discs, from which we might gain experience? Anything which the Minister can do in this respect in legislation would be helpful.
§ Mr. MarplesI will bear that point in mind. If there is any point which any hon. Member would like to make about his own local authority in this respect, I shall be delighted to hear from him before our Measure is introduced.
§ Mr. BennWill the Minister answer the second part of the Question? Will his Traffic Bill include reference to parking? When is it likely to appear?
§ Mr. MarplesI hope that it will appear in the next few weeks, but I would rather not say what its contents will be until it is published.