§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Minister of Transport whether he is satisfied that the increased parking meter charges he proposes in some parts of central London will not inflict hardship on many short-term parkers such as commercial travellers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MarplesYes. Many short-term parkers are at present unable to find empty parking bays. Cruising around looking for empty bays is expensive, wastes time, and worsens traffic congestion. Some people have to incur penalties rather than miss appointments. I am sure they would prefer to pay a higher parking fee and have parking space available. It is only in these difficult areas where I propose increased meter charges. Further, if as I propose, a unit payment of sixpence is retained, people parking for fairly short periods will pay no more, or very little more, than they do now. They may even be able to use unexpired time on a meter without having to pay at all. It is long-term parkers, who at present derive short-term parkers of space,230W who will be discouraged by the higher prices from parking on the street.
§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Minister of Transport what steps he proposes to take to increase the amount of parking space on the highways in parking meter zones.
§ Mr. MarplesI have suggested to local authorities various ways in which more meter bays can be provided. By the provision of paired bays, which reduces the kerb-space required for two vehicles by 10 per cent. By making use of any space not required for loading and unloading. By the use of such apparatus as a ticket issuing machine where it may be physically difficult to install meters. I want the best use to be made of all space on the highway. The initiative rests with the local authorities and I hope they will submit proposals to me as soon as possible.