HC Deb 08 April 1964 vol 692 cc981-2
14. Mr. Dudley Smith

asked the Minister of Transport, if he is aware that parking problems in residential roads and streets of the Greater London area are increasing; and what proposals he has for easing the road safety hazard on minor roads in this area.

Mr. Marples

I am aware that the number of vehicles parked on the streets is increasing. Vehicles parked in minor roads are a much less serious hazard than those parked in main thoroughfares, and it would be wrong to prohibit parking there generally. But my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government and I intend to publish as soon as possible bulletins giving guidance to local authorities about parking firstly in town centres and subsequently in residential areas.

Mr. Smith

Is my right hon. Friend aware that when cars are parked solidly on both sides of side-streets passing traffic has great difficulty in getting through? This presents a tremendous hazard to pedestrians, particularly children. Police largely ignore this because they are only too willing to keep cars off the main roads. Is not the only possible way of solving the problem massive expansion of off-street parking outside the London area, and will my right hon. Friend make prompt recommendations to the local authorities?

Mr. Marples

This bulletin will call attention of the local authorities to the necessity of action on their part to provide such off-street parking as is required in these local areas. Providing parking facilities in local areas requires local knowledge and decisions, and it is not appropriate for the central Government to decide the details of what should be provided in this way. I am calling the attention of the local authorities to the importance of off-street parking, and I am making a number of suggestions on how the job should be tackled.

Mr. Manuel

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this problem is greatly aggravated by the parking of commercial vehicles night after night in residential areas because there is no garage provision for them? Does he intend to allow this greater freedom for owners of commercial vehicles to continue for all time?

Mr. Marples

I have mentioned this matter in the House previously. Local authorities should provide parking facilities for these heavy vehicles which sometimes stay overnight and which should be parked off the streets. Several of these hive already been successfully started and more will be planned. Again, attention will be drawn to this in the circular.