§ Mr. DAYasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give the House particulars of any schemes that are in contemplation for the purpose of relieving the traffic situation at the Elephant and Castle; and can he state when it is proposed to commence?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONThe question of a satisfactory scheme for the relief of traffic congestion at the Elephant and Castle and in the neighbourhood is one of great difficulty and complexity. The matter is at present under consideration by the London County Council, as the improvement authority, and my Department, but no definite decision has yet been reached as to the best course to adopt. In any event I understand that before a commencement could be made with any substantial scheme of improvement it would be necessary for the London County Council to obtain Parliamentary powers.
§ Sir W. DAVISONasked the Minister of Transport whether his attention has been called to the daily increasing congestion of the London streets; and what action the Government propose to take to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONI am not able to agree that congestion is daily increasing. Indeed in the last few years the introduction of roundabout systems and other steps taken under the London Traffic Act have considerably facilitated the movement of traffic which is reflected in the figures showing average speed of vehicles in the area. The problem is and will be continually under review by my 1049W Department in consultation with the London Traffic Advisory Committee, the Commissioner of Police and the improvement and highway authorities in the metropolitan area. As the hon. Member is aware, a considerable number of additional schemes of improvement, designed to facilitate the movement of traffic, are either already commenced or will be put in hand at an early date.