MP WELCOMES TRAFFIC MONITORING

3.12.00pm GMT Mon 10th Mar 2003

Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, has welcomed the news that Kingston and Richmond councils will both be monitoring traffic flows in the roads surrounding Richmond Park following the Royal Parks Agency's proposal to close Robin Hood Gate for a trial period in the autumn.

"I wrote to both Councils' transport departments immediately the RPA's traffic report came out," the MP said.

"I have now heard back from both Mr Chris Hamshar of Kingston Council and Mr John East of Richmond Council. "

"They both tell me they are putting monitoring systems in place and that they will be working closely together following the closure."

"This is good news, because the last time Robin Hood Gate was closed, at least half the traffic from the A3 diverted to Kingston Gate. If there is chaos when the trial closure takes place in the autumn, we will need hard evidence to give to the RPA in time for the three-month review they promised."