Royal Parks criticised over parking charges for Richmond and Bushy Park (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Royal Parks criticised over parking charges for Richmond and Bushy Park

6:50am Sunday 27th September 2009 in

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The introduction of parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Park would lead to “chaos” on nearby streets, according to a new report.

Richmond’s transport chief labelled the plans “shoddy” after reading a report from Royal Parks (RP) – which operates the parks – about the impact of introducing the charges.

Richmond Council has reiterated its opposition to the scheme, which is being considered by Royal Parks Minister Barbara Follett.

The report stated: “Residents located outside the park gates may be concerned visitors to the park will try to avoid these charges, which may result in the highway network becoming congested.

“However, it is the responsibility of the relevant authority to implement parking restrictions.”

Councillor David Trigg, cabinet member for traffic, transport and parking, said: “The report highlights what we have been saying all along – if Royal Parks introduce charges people will simply leave their cars outside the parks.

“This will create chaos on the surrounding streets.

“The report only appears to have been carried out after the public consultation and the submission for ministerial approval, and the level of research is shoddy at best.

“We requested a copy in June but have only just received it.

“There are some glaring omissions, they did not carry out traffic counts or consider where people are visiting from or how long they stay.

“They have also assumed the council will consider introducing parking controls to cope with displacement.

“They need to slow down and do some proper research before any decisions are made.”

Representatives from Wandsworth and Kingston Councils, along with Councillor Serge Lourie, Richmond Council leader, are meeting the minister in October to make clear the opposition to the plans.

A spokesman for Royal Parks said: “The Royal Parks has undertaken survey work similar to that which a local authority would commission before introducing car parking charges.

“Vehicle issues in Richmond Park were first identified in the Jenkins Review [in 1996] and a wide range of subsequent traffic studies helped to inform our decision to introduce parking charges.

“In addition to this, a parking impact assessment was carried out in 2009. ”