§ 24. Mr. Bossomasked the Minister of Transport how the discussions on parking law simplification are proceeding; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesIt is not possible under the Road Traffic Acts as they now stand to give greater precision to the law on obstruction, but I am considering the need for future legislation. I am also consulting representative bodies about a new system of traffic signs to be introduced this year which will, I hope, help to convey more clearly to drivers the restrictions on waiting on particular lengths of road.
The Road Research Laboratory is investigating the effects of unlighted parking on the accident rate.
§ Mr. BossomI thank my right hon. Friend for that helpful Answer, but may I ask whether he will include, in the present discussions that he is having, measures to improve parking signs, rules for parking without lights, for loading and unloading and also a ruling on the tag-end use of parking meters? I am sure that he will agree that these matters are causing unnecessary friction between motorists, the police and traffic wardens.
§ Mr. MarplesI agree, and with the implementation of the Warboys Report on signs I a ink we shall see a welcome improvement. I agree with my hon. Friend that it. is necessary that we should have standard signs through the country, so that when a motorist is in any town he will know quite clearly what is expected of him.
§ Mr. SnowOn the question of the lighting of parked vehicles, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is some difficulty in the Midlands? In the overspill area of Birmingham there is one set of regulations, and in Staffordshire there is a different set, which has resulted in some conflict.
§ Mr. MarplesThis is a difficulty that we find throughout the country, because each chief constable has his own idea of what system should be adopted in his area, and motorists are sometimes confused when moving from one area to another. This is one of the things that I am looking into with my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary.