Kramer quizzes Hodge on Car Park Charges

5.15.20pm GMT Sat 16th Jan 2010

• [Jan 13] Susan Kramer (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat): TO ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date he plans to make a statutory instrument introducing car parking charges in Royal Parks where charging is not currently in force; . .

. . if he will hold a meeting with representatives of Royal Park users in Richmond Park before making such an instrument; and what estimate he has made of the sums likely to be raised from car parking charges in each Royal Park in the first 12 months after introduction of charging.

Margaret Hodge (Minister of State, Department for Culture, Media & Sport; Barking, Labour) I am considering a number of changes to park regulations, including introducing parking charges in Bushy and Richmond Parks. I intend to make a decision soon after considering all the evidence.

There has been extensive consultation about the proposals and representatives of Royal Parks' users have met senior officials from the Agency to discuss these issues. The hon. Member has also raised issues with me in person.

The most recent estimate is that parking charges in Richmond Park could deliver an income of around £345,000 net a year. Parking in Bushy could deliver £86,000 net, although this is expected to rise to over £100,000 when a car park, that is currently being located, is opened.