Richmond Park Car Parking Decision 'Imminent'

Consultation result to be released earlier than expected

Following a Parliamentary Question asked by Justine Greening MP for Putney, Roehampton and Southfields, Parks Minister Barbara Follett has confirmed that a recommendation will be made by the Royal Parks Agency by the end of July on its controversial plans to charge for parking in Richmond Park. This is earlier than the originally anticipated announcement date of September

The Minister has also confirmed that she will meet Justine to discuss the recommendations and local concerns of Roehampton and Putney residents.

Earlier this year Justine was inundated by letters from constituents who were concerned about the proposed charges for parking in Richmond Park. Justine has already met with the Chief Executive of the RPA, Mark Camley, to highlight residents’ concerns over these proposals and handed in 1,500 campaign postcards against the car park charging proposals. She also held a Westminster Hall debate on the issue.

Justine also wrote to the then Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, urging him to challenge the proposals as undermining efforts to tackle obesity.

Justine said “I very much hope that the Royal Parks Agency will have listened and acted upon the overwhelming response from local residents against introducing car park charging. Whatever the outcome, ultimately the final decision rests with the Minister who can either accept the RPA's proposal or not. That is why I was keen to get agreement to meet with Barbara Follett to talk about our local concerns directly and I hope we will be able to find time in the Ministers diary quickly after we hear what the RPA are recommending.”

Meanwhile a Facebook group has been set up to give people a say about proposed car parking charges in Richmond Park.

The three local authorities fear that having to pay to park their car will deter people from visiting this much-loved park, and will increase parking congestion in surrounding roads.

The Facebook group will give members of the public a chance to speak out about the charges, and will enable the councils to gauge levels of public support for the campaign.

To join, go to www.facebook.com and search for the group ‘Stop Richmond Park parking charges’.