HC Deb 23 November 1966 vol 736 c1378
23. Mr. Winnick

asked the Minister of Transport what proposals she has to relieve the congestion of traffic in central London.

Mr. Swingler

It is for the Greater London Council, as traffic authority, to initiate such proposals. My right hon. Friend's job is to create the conditions which will help make possible the provision of better transport.

Mr. Winnick

Is the Minister of Transport aware that if action were taken to relieve central London of trucks and lorries, although a few people would grumble she would receive the blessings of many people in the capital city?

Mr. Swingler

I am sure that the Greater London Council is wide open to any proposals and suggestions that my hon. Friend or any other Member may make for a higher standard of traffic management in London. Meanwhile, my right hon. Friend, by establishing for the first time a Transport Co-ordinating Council for London, has enabled the authorities to consider these matters together.

Sir R. Cary

Might not a licence plate for private cars be the best method to deal with this extremely difficult problem—a plate similar to that displayed by public service passenger vehicles?

Mr. Swingler

I am prepared to consider any suggestions that the hon. Member may care to make. As he may know, we have under consideration some new regulations which will affect that very matter.