HC Deb 26 October 1960 vol 627 cc2327-8
14. Sir W. Wakefield

asked the Minister of Transport when measures will be taken to relieve the congestion at peak hours at the northern end of Blackfriars Bridge.

Mr. Marples

I have invited the Corporation of London to submit for my approval in the next financial year a scheme which will include an east-west underpass beneath the road and railway bridges. The cost is at present estimated at £2,900,000, on which a grant of nearly £2,200,000 would be payable. Meanwhile, experimental restrictions on waiting near this bridge-head have been introduced.

Sir W, Wakefield

Is my right hon. Friend aware that his statement will be received with great satisfaction in the hope that what is proposed will relieve congestion here? Has my right hon. Friend read the pamphlet, issued by the British Road Federation, called "Five Missing Links", which gives five places where congestion is quite frightful, and could he take an early opportunity of stating to the House what action he is proposing in connection with those five missing links?

Mr. Marples

I never forget to read all the publications of that particular Council, and I have in mind a sixth missing link which I shall not mention here.

Mr. Lipton

To what extent is this congestion at Blackfriars Bridge due to the excessive number of private cars? Is it the policy of the right hon. Gentleman to continue to discourage or to seek to diminish the use of private cars in Central London, particularly during peak hours?

Mr. Marples

The great thing with these roads is to make them so that all cars, commercial and private, can use them.