London Clearway To Start In Late Summer

5th May 1961, Page 66

5th May 1961

Page 66

Page 66, 5th May 1961 — London Clearway To Start In Late Summer

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THE proposed urban clearway during peak hours between London's Knightsbridge and Chiswick Flyover (one of the most heavily-trafficked routes in

the City) is to come into effect as an experiment in the late summer. Bans on loading and unloading goods vehicles will stay in force as part of the experiment. The Ministry of Transport announced this last week.

But, the scheme will be cut by half-anhour in the morning and again in the afternoon. It will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 9.30 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. The only vehicles allowed to stop will be buses and taxis. Buses were originally the only vehicles to be exempted under the scheme.

Mr. Marples, the Minister of Transport, took these decisions, it was stated, after considering the views expressed at a protest meeting held on February 27 last. Both the Traders' Road Transport Association and the Road Haulage Association made strong representations against the clearway idea, which does not provide for goods vehicles to load and unload.

"If they [the concessions relating to taxis and the shorter period of operation of the clearway] turn out to be interfering with the success of the scheme, they may have to be withdrawn," warns the Ministry.

c26 Ordinary "No Waiting" restrictions will apply outside the peak hours. • These prohibit parking, but allow vehicles to load and unload for not more than 20 minutes at a time. "At important intersections and other key points, however, loading and unloading will require the prior consent of the police," states the Ministry.

The possibility of providing some laybys is being investigated, but the clearway will not be held up for their provision. To facilitate loading and unloading, particularly during the clearway hours, parking will be banned at the mouths of side roads from 8 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, and from 8 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. on Saturdays.

"It is emphasized," says the Ministry, "that this scheme is experimental. It will run initially for six months, during which time it will be observed carefully. If necessary, changes will be made in the light of experience."