Richmond Council has broken its silence over proposed parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Park by calling on the Government to halt the plan.

A new alliance between council leaders from Richmond, Kingston and Wandsworth - formed following a meeting with the deputy chief of the Royal Parks, Colin Buttery, at the end of last week - is pushing for a meeting with Royal Parks minister Barbara Follett to express concerns.

In May, the Keep Bushy Park Free Alliance criticised the council for failing to publicly speak out about the possibility of car park fees being introduced - which many predict will cause an overspill of motorists on the lookout for free parking in neighbouring roads.

Richmond’s leader, Councillor Serge Lourie said: “While we appreciate the financial pressures on the Royal Parks this plan to introduce parking charges will discriminate against many park users while causing parking chaos on surrounding roads at the same time.

“The Government and the Royal Parks need to think again.”

The Royal Parks Agency's report and recommendation, based on public feedback and discussing whether to impose charges, is expected to arrive on Ms Follett's desk this month, with the decision likely to follow in September.

To view the agency’s consultation document visit royalparks.org.uk/docs.

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