§ Mr. LYLEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Transport whether any recommendations of any sort, made either by the Select Committee of the House or by the Advisory Committee on London Traffic, both of which were presided over by the late Mr. Kennedy Jones, have been yet carried out; and whether there is any hope of the whole problem being seriously taken in hand?
§ Mr. NEALYes, Sir. A number of the detailed suggestions made by both Committees have since been brought into effect and the work of co-ordinating and improving existing forms of London traffic through powers already in existence which formed part of the duties of the Advisory Committee is being continued by a Committee which still meets at the Ministry and includes representatives of the police authorities and the principal traffic agencies. The Committees, for instance, called attention to
It was not thought desirable to ask Parliament to pass legislation setting up the suggested traffic authority because of the expense entailed, and as this question is closely connected with the general problem of London government I think it better to await the Report of the Royal Commission now sitting.
- "(i) The need for more arterial roads: As the hon. Member is aware, the Ministry of Transport, and the local authorities, with the assistance of grants from the Road Fund, are at present carrying out a number of important arterial road works in the metropolitan area on an unprecedented scale and making provision for their future extension.
- (ii) The lack of proper arrangements for stopping places and routeing for omnibuses;
713 the existence of unnecessary obstructions to street traffic, etc.: Difficulties under these heads have been greatly alleviated as the result of the work of the Advisory Committee and constant revision in the light of experience is still being made by the Sub-Committee which was appointed for the purpose. - (iii) The absence of direct contributions from omnibuses towards the maintenance of the roads: Substantial contributions are now being made through the new motor taxation introduced by the Finance Act, 1920.
- (iv) The Advisory Committee also drew attention to the necessity for new tube railways and the electrification of the suburban lines: Work under both these headings is in progress or preparation."