HC Deb 11 April 1962 vol 657 cc1300-1
21. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport if he will take steps to publicise to motorists in the Metropolitan area that some of the new green parking meters are for five hours with a minimum charge of 2s. 6d., while others are for a maximum period of four hours, but that any proportion of the time can be used at the rate of 6d. per hour, in view of the fact that this lack of conformity, and the lack of publicity before the meters are put into use, are causing motorists inconvenience and expenses in fines.

Mr. Marples

It is not in fact possible to park at a four or five-hour meter for 6d. Some green parking meters give five hours for 2s. 6d. only. Others give four hours for 2s. with an alternative of two hours for 1. Details of the periods and charges are all on the meters. Publicity was given at each stage when long-term meters were introduced, and details of periods and charges are on every meter. I am considering what more can be done to make the situation clear to motorists.

Sir B. Janner

While I am obliged to the Minister for the last few words of his Answer —I was fully aware that it was not 6d. an hour and wanted to suggest in the Question a change to 1s. —does he appreciate that, owing to the variety of shapes and sizes of parking meters, people do not know what is happening? Is he aware that people are putting 6d. or 1s. into a meter, thinking the meter is out of order when it does not register and going away and then returning to find that they have tickets for fines when that ought not to happen?

Sir G. Nicholson

Press button B.

Sir B. Janner

The hon. Member may have experience in other directions, but that is another question. Will the Minister take immediate steps to put this matter right, because people are put to considerable difficulty and are fined because of lack of knowledge and because they cannot be expected to read every meter?

Mr. Marples

The information is on the meter for the motorists who take the trouble to read the instructions. If the hon. Member knows of any case in which he thinks injustice has been done I should be grateful to have a letter from him about it.

Mr. Dudley Williams

Does not my right hon. Friend feel that if people are not able to read what is on a meter they are not competent to drive motor cars?

Mr. Marples

A lot of people can read, a lot of people refuse to read, and some cannot read at all.