§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what representations he has received regarding provision of on-duty car signs to non-GP health professionals in the NHS; what plans he has to widen the provision of such signs; and if he will make a statement. [2727]
§ Mr. Watts[holding answer 7 November 1996]: There are some schemes under which the police and traffic wardens exercise discretion where doctors and others involved in the provision of emergency or primary health care, such as midwives, are forced to park illegally when making home visits in the course of their work. I understand that local agreements to this effect, recognised by the British Medical Association, but with no formal status in road traffic law, exist in some parts of England and Wales. Participants are issued with a badge for display in their vehicle. The Government receive occasional correspondence on the subject, but are not involved in the establishment of such schemes. Their scope is a matter for local consideration.