§ Mr. L. Thomasasked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he has considered the effects of the present unilaterial waiting restrictions in London; and if he is satisfied that they are beneficial and should be continued in force.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydYes. After considering advice from the London and Home Counties Traffic Advisory Committee, and after consultation with the Commissioner of Police and the Councils concerned, I made regulations under the London Traffic Act, 1924, to impose these restrictions from 27th January, 1953, in 31 lengths of street in London. I have now received reports from my Divisional Road Engineer and the Commissioner of Police, and taking into account comments and representations that I have received from local authorities and other bodies, I am satisfied that, although the restrictions have caused some inconvenience to traders who have to do business in those streets, they have nevertheless been of benefit to road users generally and have made a useful contribution towards easing the traffic congestion in London. I now propose to discuss with the police whether, in the light of experience and of the representations that I have received, any amendments need be made in the regulations and how far their scope should be extended.