HL Deb 16 November 1961 vol 235 cc729-30

3.5 p.m.

LORD KENNET

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government over how many street-miles in central London where parking is forbidden are no-parking signs or symbols visible, over how many miles are they not, and how much it would cost to paint a yellow line everywhere where parking is forbidden.]

THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)

My Lords, assessment in terms of street miles is difficult, but in the Central London parking meter zones after November 27 there will be about 150 miles of kerbside subject to waiting restrictions. These are indicated by the signs at the entrances to the zones, which state that parking is permitted only at meters, and by the yellow lines on the carriageway where loading and unloading are prohibited. In the remainder of the Central area, there are about 20 miles of kerbside subject to waiting restrictions. There are signs at intervals of about 200 feet. In addition, where loading is prohibited, a solid yellow line is painted across the kerb. It would cost approximately £50,000 per annum to paint a yellow line wherever waiting is restricted.

LORD KENNET

My Lords, would the noble Lord bear in mind that the problem for the motorist is to know whether he is in the zone or not; that there are many miles of streets in the zone without any meters, any yellow line, or any signs at all; and that it is quite a burden on the motorist's memory to be conscious at all times whether or not he has passed a sign some time earlier in the day?

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, I shall be glad to bear that in mind. The noble Lord may like to know that we are at present considering various measures on that very subject in conjunction with the police and the local authorities.

LORD HAWKE

My Lords, would my noble friend convey to his right honourable friend that possibly £50,000 would not be at all a dear price to pay for this facility?

LORD CHESHAM

I will certainly convey that, my Lords.

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