The Royal Parks makes cut-through traffic reduction trials

The Royal Parks charity will retain measures to reduce the impact of cut-through traffic in Richmond, Bushy and Greenwich Parks on a permanent basis. This follows the completion of a two-year trial, a comprehensive park visitor engagement exercise and a detailed traffic analysis, monitoring and evaluation programme.

In Richmond Park, there will be a permanent restriction on all through-traffic between Broomfield Hill Car Park and Robin Hood Car Park and a permanent closure of the vehicle link between Sheen Gate and Sheen Cross. Additionally, at weekends and public holidays, all cut-through traffic will be restricted between Roehampton and Richmond Gates.

In Bushy Park, Chestnut Avenue will remain permanently closed to vehicle traffic between Teddington and Hampton Court Gates.

In Greenwich Park, The Avenue will remain permanently closed to vehicle traffic.

Consultation responses from across the parks indicated that a majority of respondents supported the proposals. With the closure of the roads, The Royal Parks will look to explore how the space will be repurposed, engaging with local communities and park visitors on measures that help to improve the parks.

Tom Jarvis, Director of Parks said:

“As custodians of some of London’s finest green spaces, we’re delighted to announce that the successful trials to reduce cut-through traffic in our outer parks will be made permanent. The decision is a key part of ensuring The Royal Parks is delivering on its charitable objects.

“We’d like to thank all those who have been involved in the project since it was launched in July 2020, particularly those who responded to our public consultations.

“We’re looking forward to engaging with our stakeholders and the local communities to see how we may repurpose the spaces available, now that certain roads are closed permanently to vehicles.”