Say NO to Richmond Park charges

The Royal Parks Agency has been consulting on plans to charge drivers for using its car parks.

At present parking is free in Richmond Park .

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

The RPA has now submitted its report on the consultation to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

The proposals were opposed by around 19,000 people.

The minister, Barbara Follett, is expected to make her decision in autumn 2009.

The three local councils, Kingston , Richmond and Wandsworth, have encouraged their residents to let the RPA know their views.

They argue that the lack of any effective public transport forces people to take the car to the park. Charges could deter those on low incomes and make it difficult for families and older people to visit.

There is also the fear that once charges were introduced residents on the roads outside the park would suffer from overspill parking.

The RPA says that its plan 'supports its environmental agenda of encouraging visitors to travel to the park by means other than private car where possible.' They also argue that the scheme would help pay towards the maintenance costs of the park's roads.

To find out more about the RPA proposals 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)