§ 15. Sir R. Russellasked the Minister of Public Building and Works what is the cost of erecting gates at the entrances to Regent's Park, London; and on what occasions he anticipates that the Park may be closed to traffic.
§ Mr. PrenticeThe gates were erected and paid for by the Crown Estate Paving Commission. I understand that the cost is about £5,000. I have it in mind to close all park entrances except Hanover, Chester and Clarence Gates, to vehicles between midnight and 5 a.m. The scheme will be put into effect as soon as the necessary traffic arrangements have been settled.
§ Sir R. RussellWhile appreciating that this is a deal difficulty, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that a great deal of traffic uses this park even after midnight and certainly before 7 a.m.? Will he bear in mind the extra traffic that will be created in other thoroughfares if he closes this part of the park?
§ Mr. PrenticeYes, but I am advised that alternative routes outside the park will be more than capable of bearing the traffic between midnight and 5 a.m. The reason for making these changes is that there has been a number of accidents inside the park between those hours. I think that this has been because there is not much traffic about, and people have driven at unreasonable speeds. This change is being made in consultation with the local authorities, the police and others who are concerned to reduce accidents.