Minister for Culture and Tourism Margaret Hodge announced today that proposed changes to Royal Parks Regulations will be implemented later this year, subject to parliamentary approval.

The decision was made after careful consideration of all responses to the public consultation on the proposals, a series of meetings with stakeholders, and additional research.

Car parking charges will be introduced at Richmond and Bushy Parks. The charges are set at affordable rates, especially given new research which reveals at least 86 per cent of car park users are from socio-economic groups ABCI.

The Minister has decided not to proceed with the proposed six-hour maximum stay in Bushy and Richmond Parks, following research which suggested this could lead to displacement parking in surrounding streets. The research indicated that there would be no significant displacement parking if all-day charges were introduced.

Significant investment has been made to cycling routes to encourage people to leave their cars at home, helping to maintain the special character of the parks. Discussion will also take place with all the relevant authorities to assess the feasibility of introducing a land train in Richmond Park.

Colin Buttery, Deputy Chief Executive, The Royal Parks said: "At a maximum of £2 a day at Bushy Park and £3 a day at Richmond Park, the charges are similar to the cost of a cup of coffee and compare favourably with car parks locally and at similar amenities."

Income from the charges will be used to help maintain car parks and roads.

Other changes include the reduction of the speed limit from 30mph to 20mph in Bushy and Greenwich Parks and allowing Private Hire Vehicles into the parks.

Media enquiries:

For further information or images please contact: Sylvi King, The Royal Parks on 020 7298 2128 or sking@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

• 'Profile of Bushy and Richmond Parks Car Park Users, December 2009' (Synovate) profiles visitors to car parks. In Richmond Park 87 per cent of those using car parks were in the ABC1 socio-economic group; in Bushy Park 86 per cent.
• 'Peter Brett Associates Traffic Management Study, July 2009' considers potential issues of displacement parking.
• It is anticipated that changes will be introduced in spring/summer 2010.
• Parking will be charged from 8.30am to 6.30pm or earlier, when parks close earlier.
• Charges are broadly in line with those levied by local authority car parks in the surrounding area.
• A set proportion of the available parking spaces will be designated for Blue Badge holders and Blue Badge holders will be exempt from the charges.
• Charges will be as follows:
  
  

  	Rates at Richmond Park	Rates 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

  
  
• Within 18 months of implementation, research will be undertaken to access the impact of the changes.
• 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