§ 2.45 p.m.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they are taking advantage of the present petrol rationing to formulate a plan for the alleviation of the traffic problem, particularly in the big cities, so that the conditions that existed before the recent rationing will not recur, and whether, if there is going to be such a plan, an opportunity will be given for its consideration in this House at the earliest opportunity.]>
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (LORD MANCROFT)My Lords, the plans of Her Majesty's Government for the alleviation of traffic problems were debated at length in this House during the passage of the Road Traffic Act, 1956. The Government are proceeding as rapidly as possible with the implementation of these plans, which include the introduction of parking meters and other measures to promote the provision of off-street parking accommodation. The relief provided by the petrol shortage has added impetus to all these steps.
LORD MOYNIHANMy Lords, in thanking the noble Lord for his Answer, may I ask him whether it would not be possible, at least until the Government plan is formulated, to go back to the arrangement made during the recent railway strike, when the parking of private vehicles was not allowed in the central area and they were parked outside that area? Could not that arrangement be continued in some way for the time being, until the Government plan is finally formulated?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, a scheme very like that has been considered on numerous occasions. It is superficially attractive, but it has two serious objections. The first is that in the opinion of many people it is a serious inroad upon the liberty of the subject; and the second is that, administratively, it is almost impossible to work.
LORD SALTOUNMy Lords, may I ask the Government a question, to which I think they have given their attention and which arises out of this? Can the noble Lord give me any traffic direction reason why the traffic in the block consisting of Ryder Street, Jermyn Street, Duke Street and King Street runs differently? In Jermyn Street, it is widdershins; in Ryder Street and Duke Street, it goes with the sun; and in King Street there is two-way traffic. Is there any good traffic reason for that?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I am certain that there is a very good reason—but I do not know what it is.
LORD REAMy Lords, the noble Lord said that the difficulty about parking traffic outside London was that it would be infringement of the liberty of the subject. Could he not somehow bring it about by seduction, rather than by imposition?
§ LORD MANCROFTMy Lords, I should require some notice, and some instruction from the noble Lord in the art of seduction.