HC Deb 14 February 1962 vol 653 cc1301-2
6. Sir B. Janner

asked the Minister of Transport whether he has considered the report, which has been sent to him, of the Chief Constable of Leicester concerning the installation of parking meters in the centre of the city: and what advice he has given to other cities, and in particular the London boroughs, concerning ways of helping the flow of traffic and of restricting the parking of vehicles in congested areas other than by the installation of parking meters.

Mr. Marples

In 1957 my Department issued to local authorities a very full memorandum of advice on the control of traffic. My divisional road engineers are also continuously in touch with them on the subject. I have received no report directly from the Chief Constable of Leicester, but I am aware of his views on the traffic problems of that city. I am satisfied, however, that in London and many other seriously congested areas parking meters offer the best means of regulating parking. Where the parking demand is less overwhelming less rigid methods of control may be appropriate.

Sir B. Janner

Will the Minister take the trouble to read the view of the Law Society's Gazette—more or less the official organ of one of his Joint Parliamentary Secretary's—where the opinion is expressed that the scheme in Leicester is a very good one, and where it is pointed out that with 32 wardens and the police at Leicester about 2,276 cases came before the courts in one year; whereas in one district where there were wardens only, in the course of six weeks over 1,300 cases were brought? Does the Minister realise that a lot of money could be saved and that the nerves of motorists would be strengthened if these traffic regulations were improved?

Mr. Marples

I shall certainly read the report to which the hon. Member referred, especially as it comes from legal sources and is concerned with traffic matters. The problem in London is entirely different from that of Leicester. It is of a different magnitude altogether. I do not think that the nerves of people in Leicester are being affected, and I certainly do not think that the Members of Parliament representing Leicester suffer from any nervous defect whatsoever.

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