PROPOSALS FOR CAR PARKING CHARGES IN RICHMOND PARK

That this House is concerned that the Royal Parks are consulting on a change to park regulations which would result in car parking charges in Richmond Park; notes that such charges would give an incentive to Richmond Park visitors to park outside the gates on residential streets and force local residents to apply for costly and otherwise unnecessary controlled parking zones; asserts that encouraging use of the park is desirable for leisure and health; calculates that parking charges could cost regular users of the park in excess of £400 a year; recognises that access to most areas of the park is only possible by car for any but the fittest users since no public transport goes through or stops in Richmond Park; and calls on the Royal Parks to withdraw these charging proposals.