HC Deb 10 March 1965 vol 708 cc406-7
22. Mr. Lipton

asked the Minister of Transport whether, for an experimental period, he will ban the use of private cars during rush hours on selected bus routes in Central London.

Mr. Swingler

We think that in the short term other traffic management measures, especially more urban clearways, offer better prospects for improving traffic flows generally. But we have also been considering various traffic measures, including some on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend, designed to enable buses to work more efficiently and faster. Some such measures are already in operation. I have no doubt that the Greater London Council, which takes over responsibility for traffic in London on 1st April, will want to consider wherever possible measures having the same object.

Mr. Lipton

Is not my hon. Friend showing that the Labour Government demonstrate a fresher and more dynamic approach to the solution of these problems? Will he tell the House what has been done on the lines suggested in my Question?

Mr. Swingler

Much has been done so far. The greater proportion of the credit should go—and I should like to take the opportunity of paying tribute—to the London Traffic Management Unit, which has done a great deal in introducing experiments, schemes in tidal flow and urban clearways and matters of that kind. We want to see more experimentation and the extension of these things. We shall undoubtedly be discussing them with the Greater London Council.

Mr. Dudley Smith

Does not the Minister agree that before he even thinks of banning private vehicles from Central London, there must be a vast improvement in the London Transport bus services?

Mr. Swingler

We want to see a great improvement in public transport because, as those who have read the Buchanan Report know, this is a necessary part of the solution of the problem. That is why we want further experiments on these lines.