HL Deb 31 July 1962 vol 243 cc208-9

After Clause 22, insert the following new clause:

Contribution between local authorities providing parking places

("Any authority having power under section eighty-one of the principal Act to provide within their district parking places for vehicles may contribute towards the expenses incurred by any other authority in the exercise of their powers under that section.")

LORD CHESHAM

My Lords, this Amendment allows for co-operation between local authorities in the provision of parking places. At present a local authority has to get special dispensation from the Minister of Housing and Local Government if it wishes to contribute to the expenses of another authority. Section 81 of the 1960 Act empowers local authorities to provide within their areas suitable parking places for vehicles so that they can relieve congestion; and that section applies to the provision of parking places off highways or, without payment, on highways. But from time to time the situation seems to arise where the site which is most suitable for a car park to relieve congestion in one district happens to be in the adjoining district, and the council where the car park is to be provided may agree to do so but may well insist on having some financial assistance, since the other authority will be the chief beneficiary from it. This point has been taken care of in London by Section 20 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1957. There is another precedent which enables a parish council to contribute to the expense of a cycle parking place in the area of another council, and the clause extends this reciprocal principle to the whole field of off-street and free on-street parking places. I think that it will be of benefit to all concerned. I beg to move.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said Amendment.—(Lord Chesham.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.