§ 4. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for the Environment whether his Department will carry out a survey of London roads used by heavy lorries to assess the amount of nuisance and loss of amenity caused by this type of vehicle.
§ The Secretary of State for the Environment (Mr. Peter Walker)No, Sir. This would be a matter for the Greater London Council.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonDoes my right hon. Friend agree that there is a need for 1472 plans for all the major cities, especially London, because heavy lorries trundling through residential areas cause damage through vibration and problems and considerable stress to the residents through noise and inconvenience? Will he look at the experiment of having totally lorry-free zones which is to be carried out in the centre of Paris?
§ Mr. WalkerYes, Sir, but traffic control is a matter for the local authorities. We are looking worldwide at experiments in this sphere and advising the traffic authorities about them. There is need for proper traffic control over heavy lorries.
§ Mr. George CunninghamWill the right hon. Gentleman recognise that the efforts of the G.L.C. on this matter are to some extent impeded by the attitude of the Metropolitan Police and the difficulties of administration? Will he have discussions with the Home Secretary on that point?
§ Mr. WalkerWe are constantly having discussions about enforcement by the police and others through traffic and parking control. I agree that if parking control were properly enforced, it would help the flow of traffic considerably.