HC Deb 08 May 1963 vol 677 cc413-4
29. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Transport what steps he has taken, in conjunction with local authorities, to prevent the parking of cars adjacent to school entrances; and what further action he will take.

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

In the Highway Code drivers are advised not to park at school entrances. If at any school this advice is not heeded, the local authority may impose a specific prohibition of waiting, indicated by a standard traffic sign. In the London Traffic Area, where my right hon. Friend is the traffic authority, a carriageway marking with the words "school entrance" has been used with some success. We are now prepared to consider proposals for the use of this marking outside London.

Mr. Wall

I thank my hon. and gallant Friend for that reply, but is he aware that, for example, in the City of Westminster most of the school entrances are completely obscured by parked cars? Will he look into the matter again and make serious representations to the local authorities to the effect that the entrances should be adequately marked and cars kept away?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

We were aware of that. This is really the reason why we have carried out the experiment in the London Traffic Area with a carriageway marking rather on the lines of a bus stop box. We hope that it will prove successful.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Will my hon. and gallant Friend bear in mind that he has a committee on road signs now sitting and that he should, before he introduces any new road sign, at least consult that committee or see what report it makes on the subject?

Vice-Admiral Hughes Hallett

We shall certainly look into that. We felt that, meanwhile, the need for some action was urgent.