HC Deb 01 November 1957 vol 575 cc121-2W
Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation which members of the Ilford Borough Council were invited to attend inspection of the sites of omnibus stops in the neighbourhood of 245, Clayhall Avenue, Ilford; which members actually attended; and what was the date on which the inspection took place.

Mr. Watkinson

The inspection took place on 14th May, 1957. The Council was invited to be represented and the Chief Assistant (Civil Engineering) was present.

Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation who represents the interests of road users on the Stopping Places Advisory Committee which is responsible for siting the omni-bus stops in the neighbourhood of 245, Clayhall Avenue, Ilford; how this person was selected; and by what process he or she is answerable to the public.

Mr. Watkinson

The siting of bus stops is generally fixed in informal consultation between the London Transport Executive, the police and the local authorities, but the advice of the Stopping Places Advisory Committee is sought in the more difficult cases. By Statute the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner has permissive powers to fix stops and normally accepts the Committee's advice.

The Advisory Committee is a co-ordinating committee consisting of representatives of the Metropolitan and City Police, the London Transport Executive, the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner, my Divisional Road Engineer and the Transport and General Workers Union. Meetings and site inspections are attended by representatives of the county and borough councils concerned. The interests and safety of all classes of road users are taken into account.

Mr. Iremonger

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation whether he is aware of the danger to residents of Clayhall Avenue caused by the siting of omnibus stops in the neighbourhood of 245, Clayhall Avenue, Ilford; what representations he has received to this effect; and what steps he has taken to inquire into the recommendations of the Stopping Places Advisory Committee in this matter.

Mr. Watkinson

The Stopping Places Advisory Committee has consistently and unanimously recommended that there is no justification on grounds of road safety for moving the site of the omnibus request stop outside No. 245, Clayhall Avenue, Ilford. The Committee has considered repeated representations from the occupant of this house, and, in addition to a site inspection, the matter has been before the Committee on four occasions within the last year.

The siting of bus stops is usually determined on an informal basis by agreement between the authorities concerned. I am only involved if there is a statutory appeal to me by the police or by the London Transport Executive from any formal decision of the Metropolitan Traffic Commissioner.