The Royal Parks launched a public consultation today to give people the opportunity to have their say on potential changes to park regulations.

The proposed changes include lowering the speed limit in Bushy Park and Greenwich Park from 30mph to 20mph and introducing car parking charges in Richmond Park and Bushy Park.

Colin Buttery, Director of Parks for The Royal Parks said: "These changes have been proposed in order to improve the parks and the safety of park users. We welcome feedback during the 13-week public consultation period and will consider all views before deciding on a way forward."

Media enquiries:

For further information please contact:

Katy Murray, The Royal Parks on 020 7298 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

About the proposed changes to The Royal Parks Regulations:

• The deadline for all feedback on the proposals is 1 May 2009 and The Royal Parks will publish a summary of responses following the consultation.
• For further information on the eight proposed changes and for a copy of the consultation document and draft impact assessment, please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk or write to: Regulation Consultation, The Royal Parks, The Old Police House, London, W2 2UH, or pick up a copy from a park office. For a copy in another format such as large print, please telephone 020 7298 2008.

About the proposed car parking charges in Bushy Park and Richmond Park:

• The proposed scheme would raise essential revenue towards the maintenance of The Royal Parks' roads and associated infrastructure.
• A set proportion of the available parking spaces would be designated for Blue Badge holders - Blue Badge holders would be exempt from the charges.
• The rates of the proposed parking charges are broadly in line with those levied by the authorities in the surrounding areas - these rates are as follows:
  

  	Proposed fees in Richmond Park	Proposed fees in Bushy Park
  Up to 1 hour	£1.00	£0.50
  1 to 1.5 hours	£1.50	£0.75
  1.5 to 2 hours	£2.00	£1.00
  2 to 3 hours	£2.50	£1.50
  Over 3 hours	£3.00	£2.00

• Currently Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Greenwich Park charge for car parking - there are no car parks in Green Park, Kensington Gardens or St James's Park.

About the speed limit proposal:

• Reducing the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in Greenwich Park and Bushy Park will contribute towards de-urbanising the parks, safety and the protection of wildlife, improving the park atmosphere and making it a more enjoyable experience for visitors. This speed limit would bring these parks in line with Richmond Park which has a maximum speed of 20mph.

About The Royal Parks:

• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park.
• For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk.