MP Takes The Fight Against Richmond Park Car Parking Charges To Government

5.25.54pm GMT Fri 30th Oct 2009

• SUSAN Kramer, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston met with Margaret Hodge MP, the Minister for Culture and Tourism to discuss proposals to introduce parking charges in Richmond Park.

The Minister agreed to conduct 'spot surveys' into the demographics of existing car park users and look at the cost base for introducing charging. Susan Kramer has also invited the Minister to visit the Park with local residents to see first hand the impact charging would have on the community.

She commented: "Thousands of people have signed petitions and joined protests against car park charging in Richmond Park, and the Government must listen. There is a long tradition of free access to the park, and this must be preserved. As a result of the meeting, the Government has now agreed to conduct more research on park users who would be impacted by the charges. I remain really concerned that for those with mobility difficulties or on low incomes, charging could mean that they can no longer enjoy the park. I am pleased that the cost benefits of charging will also be looked at again, as it would be such a shame to destroy the character of the park for marginal amounts of money."

Related Links:

• Royal Parks criticised over parking charges for Richmond and Bushy Park [RTT, 27th September]

• Decision on parking charges in Richmond Park 'in new year [RTT, 2nd November]