§ Mr. HOUSTONasked the Home Secretary whether he is aware of the congestion in the main arteries of vehicular traffic in London arising from the obstructive action of horse-drawn heavy vehicles, which keep in or towards the middle of the roads and streets; whether he will enact a by-law enforcing slowly moving vehicles to keep their near side wheels within a yard of the kerb, unless when actually passing slower-moving vehicles in front of them, or those standing alongside the kerb; whether with a view to the greater convenience of the public proceeding to or leaving railway stations in the City, and to or from business premises in the City, he will arrange to keep at least one main artery free from slow-moving traffic between the hours of 9.30 a.m. and 11.30 a.m.. and 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.; and whether he will prohibit the standing of vehicles in this thoroughfare during the hours between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.?
§ Mr. CHURCHILLI would refer the hon. Member, so far as regards the suggested by-law requiring slow and heavy vehicles to keep close to the kerb, to the answers I gave to the hon. Member for the Hawick Burghs on the 21st February and 30th March last. I may also draw his attention to the provisions of Section 78 of the Highway Act, 1835, which require drivers of vehicles to keep their vehicles to the near or left side of the road for the purpose of allowing the free passage of other vehicles. As regards the 997W City of London, I am informed that a bylaw dealing with the matter will shortly be submitted for my approval under the City of London (Street Traffic) Act, 1909. I have no power to adopt the suggestions as to keeping one main artery free from slow-moving traffic and prohibiting the standing of vehicles therein during specified hours; and, further, I am advised that they are impracticable. It may be observed that the standing of vehicles in streets longer than may be necessary for the purposes of loading or unloading or taking up or setting down passengers is already prohibit ed under the Metropolitan and City Police Acts.