| Topic: | Parking Charges for Richmond Park - the end of the matter | |
| Posted by: | Adrian Knowles | |
| Date/Time: | 07/07/10 10:10:00 |
| This is the Press Release from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS): 5 July 2010 Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose axes plans to introduce car parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Parks Plans to introduce car parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Parks in West London, announced last year, have been scrapped by Tourism and Heritage Minister John Penrose. The Government will now look at different ways of raising money in these Royal parks such as holding events like Farmers’ Markets instead. Mr Penrose has discussed the problem carefully with local MPs Justine Greening (Putney) and Zac Goldsmith (Richmond Park) and has now written to them both confirming his plans. Work on resurfacing the car parks in Richmond Park will also be scrapped, to retain their rural character. John Penrose said: “Plans to introduce car parking charges in these parks were the subject of fierce public opposition from the moment they were first proposed, some 18 months ago, and the local MPs have been lobbying me hard so, after discussing it with them and with the Mayor’s office, I’ve decided to scrap the idea immediately. “Given the current economic climate, we will need to find alternative sources of income instead, but we will try to respect local residents’ views and preserve the environment of these wonderful and precious spaces too.” Adrian Knowles Roehampton & Putney Heath Councillor |