HC Deb 04 July 1962 vol 662 cc531-2
7. Mr. Gresham Cooke

asked the Minister of Transport how much has been collected from parking meters in the London area during 1962; and what use has been made of the moneys so collected.

Mr. Hay

The administration of parking meter schemes, including the collection of meter charges, is the responsibility of the local authorities concerned. I understand that the gross receipts in London during 1962, up to 31st May, were about £ 257,000; after deducting expenses the net receipts will be about £ 86,000.

The surplus revenue must by law be applied to the provision and maintenance of parking accommodation off the highway. Some has already been appropriated for this purpose. The balance is held pending the acquisition of suitable sites.

Mr. Gresham Cooke

Would my hon. Friend, either today or on a suitable occasion, give instances of suitable off-road parking sites which are being developed by means of this money, because a great many motorists have the opinion that millions of shillings and sixpences are going down the drain and that absolutely nothing is happening?

Mr. Hay

I am very glad to refute that erroneous suggestion or impression. The fact is that local authorities in London have already a number of plans either in an advanced stage of preparation or actually going ahead for off-street car parks. For instance, there is a multi-storey garage in Audley Square which will be open this year. Another in Lower Thames Street is well advanced. Others are to be provided in Savile Row, Whitcomb Street, and Saffron Hill, Holborn. In addition, the House will remember that we have made it possible for a big garage to be built under Hyde Park, which should be in operation by the end of the year. That is where the money is going.

Mr. Lipton

What is the reason for the enormous discrepancy between the gross takings of parking meters and the comparatively negligible net sum which results from the total operation?

Mr. Hay

If the hon. Gentleman had had a little more experience in business he would know how expenses are rather liable to reduce gross takings.