HC Deb 02 February 1961 vol 633 cc152-3W
88. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that traffic wardens in the provinces have no powers under his recent regulations to demand the name and address of a motorist or to demand to see his licence, and that this prevents them from carrying out their duties effectively; and if he will re-examine the position with a view to assisting them.

Mr. R. A. Butler

As was explained on the Second Reading of the Road Traffic and Roads Improvement Bill, it was not intended that traffic wardens should have power to demand names and addresses, and this applies in London as well as in the provinces. I have no reason to think that the powers of traffic wardens are inadequate for the purpose of carrying out the functions so far prescribed for them.

89. Mr. Awbery

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the traffic wardens in the provinces do not have similar powers to those given to the wardens in the Metropolitan Stipendiary Court Area; and whether he will take steps to ensure uniformity in this respect.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I take it that the hon. Member has it in mind that Section 1 of the Road Traffic and Roads Improvement Act, 1960, has so far been extended only to the Metropolitan Stipendiary Court Area. It was made clear to the House that this Section would be applied in the first place in London, and that its extension elsewhere would be considered later in the light of experience.