The decision over whether to introduce parking charges in Richmond Park will be decided before the end of the month, rather than in September.

Parks’ Minister Barbara Follett has confirmed to Putney MP Justine Greening that a recommendation will be made by the Royal Parks Agency (RPA) by the end of July on its controversial plans.

Ms Greening has already met with the chief executive of the RPA, Mark Camley, to highlight residents’ concerns over these proposals and handed in 1,500 campaign postcards against the proposals.

The Putney MP also wrote to the then Health Secretary, Alan Johnson, urging him to challenge the proposals as undermining efforts to tackle obesity.

She said: “I very much hope that the RPA will have listened and acted upon the overwhelming response from local residents against introducing car park charging.”

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