HL Deb 03 December 1958 vol 212 c1067

2.50 p.m.

LORD WALERAN

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government if they will indicate what steps they are taking, if any, to prevent serious hardship and inconvenience to motorists being caused by the introduction of additional parking restrictions without the provision of off-street parking facilities.]

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, Section 19 of the Road Traffic Act, 1956, requires that, before making an order designating metered parking places on highways, my right honourable friend the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation should have regard, inter alia, to the extent to which off-street parking accommodation in the neighbourhood is available or likely to be encouraged by the introduction of such parking schemes. My noble friend may rest assured that my right honourable friend will have this matter very much in mind in considering any such schemes as may be put before him for approval.

LORD WALERAN

My Lords, I am not entirely happy with that Answer. Perhaps, on behalf of Her Majesty's Government, the noble Earl would tell me whether constructive action will be taken to secure the provision of adequate off-street parking accommodation before authority is given for the introduction of any further parking meter schemes in central London.

THE EARL OF GOSFORD

My Lords, I am glad to hear that my noble friend is at least not entirely unhappy. However, I feel that I have already answered his question. The Minister must take into account, among other things, what possibility there is for off-street parking before he approves a scheme.