§ 3.6 p.m.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy 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 whether they will give a statement showing (1) the amount collected in the last month for which figures are available from parking meters in the London area; (2) from fines imposed for parking meter offences in the same area in the same period; and (3) to what specific purpose the monies so collected are to be devoted.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT (LORD CHESHAM)My Lords, during October, 1961, in the London area, £29,311 was collected from parking meters. In the same month, tickets were issued for excess charges at meters totalling £9,773 in value. The amount collected under this head is not readily available. Information about the amount paid in fixed penalties, or in fines imposed by the courts, is not classified separately for parking meter offences; but it may help the noble Viscount to know that the total of fixed penalties paid during October in respect of parking offences in London was £10,538.
Money from parking meters and excess charges is collected by the local authority, who, under Section 89 of the Road Traffic Act, 1960, must use it either for making good to the general rate fund any deficits in operating parking places or towards the provision and maintenance of off-street parking accommodation. Money paid in London in respect of fixed penalties and fines for parking offences is dealt with according to the 944 general rules for disposal of fines imposed by magistrates' courts.
VISCOUNT ELIBANKMy Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for his Answer, I wonder whether he could make it quite clear—it was rather difficult to gather from the Answer—whether, in fact, any of the moneys collected are devoted to purposes other than for the benefit of motorists.
§ LORD CHESHAMMy Lords, I am glad to make it quite clear that money collected from parking meters, either by direct payment or by the collection of excess charges, cannot be used for any other purpose.