§ 21. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Transport why motorists are denied the use of residual time on parking meters.
§ Mr. MarplesThe regulations governing this matter in London are based on the principle that each driver who parks his vehicle should pay a parking fee appropriate to the time he wants. The meters are, however, cumulative. Users buying less than the maximum period get the benefit of any residual time within the limit of the maximum, which is usually two hours.
1296 However, I am considering whether the regulations should be changed.
§ Mr. ShepherdWill my right hon. Friend bear in mind that this particular aspect of the regulations does cause a good deal of trouble and can be taken advantage of by the more tiresome type of parking meter attendant, and would he not consider that to alter the regulations in this respect would help to smooth matters a good deal?
§ Mr. MarplesYes. There are a good many arguments for and against. I can assure my hon. Friend that we are taking this seriously and reconsidering it.
§ Mr. P. WilliamsHas any off-street parking been provided at Westminster with the cash which has come from the meters?
§ Mr. MarplesYes, in the City of Westminster a good deal has been provided, but it is more expensive off the street than on the street, and, oddly enough, is not being used to the full.