HC Deb 09 February 1926 vol 191 cc885-6W
Mr. SCURR

asked the Minister of Transport whether he is in a position to make any statement regarding the question of the traffic difficulties at High Street, Aldgate?

Colonel ASHLEY

The difficulties of the traffic conditions at Aldgate have been under my consideration for some time and proposals for improvement have been made by the London Traffic Advisory Committee. The officers of my Department are actively engaged in exploring means for giving effect to them. I am not in a position to make any definite statement in the matter at the present time.

Mr. ERSKINE

asked the Minister of Transport who was originally responsible for suggesting the one-way traffic arrangements now in operation in Parliament Square; and whether, in view of the great improvement and lessened congestion resulting, the person responsible has been suitably commended?

Sir H. BRITTAIN

asked the Minister of Transport if be can inform the House as to whether the circus now taking place round Parliament Square has facilitated the traffic in this part of London; and, if so, whether it is his intention to introduce this method elsewhere?

Colonel ASHLEY

This traffic arrangements now in operation in Parliament Square were worked out, after a complete analysis of the directions and densities of the various streams of traffic, by the technical officers of my Department in conjunction with the traffic officers of New Scotland Yard. The scheme was referred to the London Traffic Advisory Committee and, on their recommendation, and after consultation with the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis, it was put into operation experimentally. Reports from all quarters go to show that the experiment in Parliament Square has been successful, but the method adopted there is not necessarily suitable for other congested crossings. Each crossing requires special treatment and schemes for the improvement of the traffic arrangements at Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park Corner and Hammersmith Broadway are in hand. Other important traffic points will be dealt with in the light of the experience gained.