Parking (Side Streets)

Oral Answers to Questions — Roads – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 16 Mehefin 1947.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

asked the Minister of Transport if he will have those side streets where motor cars are permitted to park suitably marked, so as to assist the private motorist in carrying out the law.

Photo of Mr Alfred Barnes Mr Alfred Barnes , East Ham South

Authorised parking places on public highways are indicated by a standard sign. Elsewhere, no person in charge of a motor vehicle should leave it standing on the highway if it is likely to cause unnecessary obstruction.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

What is the interpretation of "a highway"? It is clearly laid down where one may not park, but it is not laid down where motorists may park off main streets. It is most necessary that there should be somewhere to park?

Photo of Mr Alfred Barnes Mr Alfred Barnes , East Ham South

Throughout London generally, the "free parking" sign is an official indication of a parking place. Motorists have been inclined to park all over the place.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

Is it not a fact that motorists are permitted to park in certain side streets within 40 feet of the main road?

Photo of Mr Alfred Barnes Mr Alfred Barnes , East Ham South

No, Sir. There has been a general inclination to park cars anywhere on the highway, and that is why these restrictions are being tried out at the present moment.

Photo of Mr William Brown Mr William Brown , Rugby

Would it be reasonable to suppose that we are permitted to park cars except where prohibited from parking cars?

Photo of Sir Godfrey Nicholson Sir Godfrey Nicholson , Farnham

Does the Minister give official approval and encouragement to the system of parking cars on one side of the street on even dates and on the other on odd dates? Certain local authorities have adopted this system but others have not. Has the Minister laid down any rule in regard to this system?

Photo of Mr Alfred Barnes Mr Alfred Barnes , East Ham South

No hard and fast rule has been laid down, but co-operation is taking place with local authorities to develop a system of that character.

Photo of Sir Godfrey Nicholson Sir Godfrey Nicholson , Farnham

Will the Minister go so far as to say that he wishes this system to be encouraged and adopted more widely?

Photo of Mr Alfred Barnes Mr Alfred Barnes , East Ham South

I certainly think it is an improvement.

Vice-Admiral Taylor:

Will the Minister consider allowing cars to park in very broad streets, such as Oxford Street, which would not inconvenience anyone in any way at all?