HC Deb 07 June 1962 vol 661 cc632-4
9 and 10. Mr Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what action the Metropolitan Police are taking in respect of large trailers, unattached to any motivating engine, which are left for long periods unattended in Furness Road, N.W.10, and cause obstruction;

(2) what measures the Metropolitan Police are taking to avoid obstruction by articulated lorries to access to the school in Furness Road, N.W.10.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. David Renton)

So far as their other commitments allow, the police have continued to give attention to this road and have taken action where offences are observed. Since July, 1961, proceedings have been taken or process applied for in 23 cases, and 93 oral warnings have been given, in respect of obstruction and other offences.

Mr. Pavitt

Is it right that the police should have such a heavy burden placed on them by the users of these industrial premises? Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the residents are grateful to the Metropolitan Police for their diligence, but that recently another accident has occurred to a child? Is it right that a factory should take over the public highway for its own industrial purposes?

Mr. Renton

I should like to acknowledge the hon. Member's tribute to the police. This is a very difficult matter and I would ask the hon. Member to bear in mind that unless these commercial vehicles are committing an offence of obstruction they are not committing any breach of the law. The police cannot enforce laws which do not exist. However, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport is aware of this general problem and is inquiring into it.

Mr. Manuel

This matter has arisen on several occasions, not merely in respect of unattached trailers but also regarding the constant use of the streets in many areas, particularly in the London area, by commercial vehicles. Is he aware that some of these lorries are never in a garage? Should not garages be provided by the people who own these vehicles instead of them constantly using the streets for this purpose?

Mr. Renton

I have already endeavoured to answer that question when replying to the Question on the Notice Paper, and, indeed, twice at Question Time last week.

Mr. Fletcher

Is the hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this nuisance is not confined to one part of London but that it is general in all the suburbs? If the existing laws are not strong enough, will he consider whether some measures should be introduced to give the police additional powers?

Mr. Renton

That, of course, is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Transport, who is looking into it.