§ 59. Mr. Sydney Irvingasked the Minister of Transport what has been the annual net revenue from street parking meters in each year from the inception of the scheme; and what proportion of this money has been spent in providing other facilities for the motorist.
§ Mr. MarplesThe administration of parking meter schemes, including the collection of meter charges, is the responsibility of the local authorities concerned. I understand that the annual net revenue in each financial year from meters in the London Traffic. Area was:
- 1958–59—£3,700
- 1959–60—£13,800
- 1960–61—£77,100
- 1961–62—£141,500;
- 1962–63—£160,500 (provisional).
Outside London, the net revenue to 31st March, 1962 (the first year) was £33,623. Figures for 1962–63 are not yet available.
The surplus revenue must by law be applied to the provision and maintenance of parking accommodation off the highway. I do not know what proportion has actually been so applied as my own control is related only to 4-yearly periods. But a good deal of such parking space has been provided in recent years. Several new car parks have been opened since meters were introduced including, in London, the Park Lane, Audley Square, Shoe Lane and Upper Thames Street garages with a combined capacity of about 2,300 cars. More are in preparation.