Consultation on plans to reduce cut-through motor traffic

The Royal Parks charity is inviting local residents, park visitors and partners to take part in a formal consultation on plans to create new spaces for park visitors and reduce the volume of cut-through vehicle traffic in the parks. The consultation will open on 16 November 2020 and run for 8 weeks until 10 January 2021.

The charity began five trials across six of the Royal Parks to close sections of roads on 15 August. This includes making The Mall car-free on weekends during daylight hours and opening up new car-free spaces for visitors to enjoy the natural environment.

The trials will last six months, concluding in February 2021.

Drivers can park in car parks as usual although access routes to certain car parks are restricted. These trials follow the launch of The Royal Parks’ Movement Strategy in February.

A Royal Parks spokesperson said:

“We would like to make sure everyone, including residents, visitors and our partners, has a chance to share their views on these important trials and we urge everyone to take part in the consultation, between now and January.”

The trials will also be measured and monitored by collating park stakeholder feedback, facilitating park visitor satisfaction surveys (if possible with COVID restrictions) and undertaking an evaluation of the external implications of our trials in partnership with relevant transport authorities (e.g. TfL and local boroughs).

To participate in the formal consultation, visit www.royalparks.org.uk/movement.

Movement strategy

The Royal Parks Movement strategy is aimed at reducing the impact of cut-through traffic, improving the park visitor experience and opening up new spaces.