Royal Parks: Parking

Susan Kramer
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on what date he plans to make a statutory instrument introducing car parking charges in Royal Parks where charging is not currently in force; if he will hold a meeting with representatives of Royal Park users in Richmond Park before making such an instrument; and what estimate he has made of the sums likely to be raised from car parking charges in each Royal Park in the first 12 months after introduction of charging.

Margaret Hodge
[holding answer 11 January 2010]: I am considering a number of changes to park regulations, including introducing parking charges in Bushy and Richmond Parks. I intend to make a decision soon after considering all the evidence.

There has been extensive consultation about the proposals and representatives of Royal Parks' users have met senior officials from the Agency to discuss these issues. The hon. Member has also raised issues with me in person.

The most recent estimate is that parking charges in Richmond Park could deliver an income of around £345,000 net a year. Parking in Bushy could deliver £86,000 net, although this is expected to rise to over £100,000 when a car park, that is currently being located, is opened.

Dr. Cable
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport pursuant to the answer of 14 December 2009, Official Report, column 672W, on Royal Parks: parking, what plans there are to introduce car parking charges in Royal Parks under such regulations.

Margaret Hodge
[holding answer 11 January 2010]: Parking charges are already in place in most Royal Parks. I am considering a number of changes to the park regulations, including introducing parking charges in Bushy and Richmond parks. A consultation exercise has been undertaken. I am considering the results of this and other evidence and I expect to make a decision shortly.