§ 26 and 27. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Works (1) why a taxi is not allowed to pick up a passenger in the Royal Parks under any circumstances; when this was introduced into the parks regulations; and what consideration is being given to repealing these regulations in the light of contemporary conditions;
(2) what restrictions there are on taxis setting down passengers in the Royal Parks.
§ Lord John HopeThere are no restrictions on taxis setting down or picking up passengers in the Royal Parks except the prohibition of active plying for hire by standing or coasting which dates from 1872 and has been retained for traffic reasons. I accept that contemporary conditions do not justify the retention of this prohibition in all areas of all the Royal Parks and I am considering where it can be relaxed.