Park-goers give their verdict on parking charges (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Richmond Park visitors give their verdict on parking charges

4:42pm Friday 15th January 2010 in News By Ian Mason and Tanya Smith

Visitors to Richmond Park today spoke out against the Government’s decision to charge them to park there.

Within hours of Culture Minister Margaret Hodge’s announcement that parking will cost up to £1 an hour in Richmond and Bushy parks, motorists shared their frustration with the Richmond and Twickenham Times.

An overwhelming majority of park users lashed out at the decision - mirroring the reaction from the public consultation last summer. Despite 84 per cent of respondents voicing their disapproval, parking fees are to be introduced later this year. However, their introduction is subject to parliamentary approval.

Cinnia Bermingham, 64, of Kings Road, East Sheen, said: “I am very anti the charges and I think it is totally unecessary. What about the families who can't afford to pay it?

“It is very difficult to use public transport to get here so how else will I be able to come? This is definitely going to effect my future use.”

Park regular Nita Hornsby, 88, from Kew, seethed: “I am appalled. I can't get to any other parks, so I will have to stop coming.

“I would prefer to make a donation than be charged for parking.”

Eighty-year-old Elizabeth Tarrant, who often travels from Woodstone to visit Richmond, said: “It's not good at all. I think it will diminish the cafe as most people who use this car park only come for an hour.

“This is an extra expense, especially for older people.

“Normally I would come twice a week, but I will stop coming and go to Epsom Downs instead.

“Surely there are other ways of making money?”

Under the plans, which MPs Vince Cable and Susan Kramer have promised to fight in the House of Commons, drivers in Richmond Park will pay an hourly £1 charge, with a maximum fee of £3, while visitors to Bushy Park will pay 50p for every hour. The maximum charge is £2 for a stay longer than three hours.

Kitt Peck, 70, of Wellside Gardens, East Sheen, said: “I feel total dismay. I normally come here once a week and I will still come, but it will have to be on foot instead.”

Victoria Hansen, who works in Kew, said: “It just goes to show that the Government and Margaret Hodge do not have any idea about how locals feel.

“Once again it's just running roughshod over people.”

“The Government and councils make enough out of parking schemes as it is.

“People living in the area should be given free parking in their own boroughs anyway, we all pay enough in taxes.”

Kew resident Teresa Hartley said she believed there were alternative charges that should have been introduced instead of parking fees.

She said: “I feel that the cars that drive through Richmond Park are those who should be charged.

“If there were a barrier at all entrances, all cars coming into the parks could pay £1.

“Anyone staying in the park for more than 30 minutes could get a refund at one of the car parks, if this was thought economic to operate.

“Since far more cars pass through the parks than stay in them, this would provide the income that they are obviously seeking.

“It would provide more than could be raised from parking alone. It might also deter some cars from using the park and thus decreasing pollution in the park.

“Even if the refund would be difficult to manage, a single charge of £1 for everyone would make more sense than the system they are suggesting.

“That system penalises only those who wish to enjoy the park not those who merely use it as a route to and from work, or just a pleasant shortcut.”

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