§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Minister of Transport what is his estimate of the number of motorists, in the area where he proposes to increase parking meter charges in London, being deprived of short-term parking space by meter-feeding and other means of preventing the proper use of meters.
§ Mr. MarplesThe evidence I have indicates that some 7,500 long-term parkers using more than a fair share of meter time are preventing the use of the meters by about 24,000 short-term parkers.
§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Minister of Transport in respect of what proportion of the meters in London he proposes that increases in charges should be made.
§ Mr. MarplesThe areas I referred to in my recent announcement are tentative. Details will depend upon the outcome of consultations with the local authorities concerned. I estimate that rather less than half the meters in the London area ought to be increased in price. Rather more than half should be unchanged or be made cheaper.