Have your say on Richmond Park charges plan
The council is urging people to make sure their voices are heard on proposals to introduce parking charges in Richmond Park.

The Royal Parks Agency (RPA) is consulting over plans to charge drivers to use its car parks. At present parking is free in Richmond Park.

Members of the public have until Friday, May 1 to register their views on this idea.

We are concerned that the proposals could turn the park into a no-go area for many people.

Because public transport provision into the park is non-existent, many people have no other alternative than to use their car to visit the park. 

We are also concerned that the introduction of parking charges will be particularly unfair to those on limited incomes. There are also fears that the charges could deter older visitors and parents with very young children, who might find it physically difficult to access large parts of the park if they cannot afford to use its car parks.

And if charges are introduced then there is a worry that residential areas near entrances to the park, such as Roehampton, could begin to suffer parking problems from drivers who don't want to pay.

The RPA says that introducing parking charges in Richmond and Bushey Parks "supports its environmental agenda of encouraging visitors to travel to the parks by means other than private car wherever possible".

It also claims that their proposed levels of charges will be "broadly in line with those levied by the authorities in the surrounding areas" and that "while not being punitive to those who have no option but to visit by car, we hope the charges will encourage visitors who can to travel to the park by public transport, by bicycle, or on foot".

They add: "The scheme includes a maximum stay, intended both to ensure a reasonable turnover of spaces (which would be fairer to visitors than our current system) and preclude abuse by commuters and shoppers of a facility that is provided exclusively for park visitors.

"The proposed scheme would raise essential revenue towards the maintenance of The Royal Parks' roads and associated infrastructure."

The Royal Parks are owned by the Sovereign in right of the Crown, but the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport has management powers for them under the Crown Lands Act 1851. The Royal Parks is an Executive Agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and manages the parks on behalf of the Secretary of State

To find out more about the RPA proposals and respond to the consultation, visit www.royalparks.org.uk

 You can also share your views with others on this site.

(Image by Kevin Law - www.flickr.com/people/66164549@N00)