Vince Cable

Vincent Cable MP met the head of the Royal Parks last week, Mr Mark Camley, in Parliament to discuss the issue of parking charges in Bushy Park. Vincent Cable was reassured on several points:

• There will be no charges this year. The Royal Parks are taking the consultation very seriously and will not make recommendations to Ministers until the Autumn

• No decision will be made without parliamentary approval and, if charges were introduced, any increase would be subject to parliamentary approval

• The Parks' authorities recognise the local strength of feeling about the way that the threat of parking tickets could destroy the peace of mind which most park users seek when they come to relax in the park; they are looking at other options

Vincent Cable said: "I am satisfied that the Royal Parks are not going to rush into a parking charges scheme which is not properly thought through. The managers have already hauled on board that there is strong local opposition and are receptive to alternative ideas.

"What worried me was an apparent confusion of objectives. I can understand that there is a need for environmental improvements and finance to pay for them. But the main aim appears to be to discourage the use of cars in the park. However, only 5% of motorists in Bushy stop and use the car parks and they are the ones who appreciate its beauty and animal life. If the aim is to stop commuter traffic and 'rat running' then we need to have a different kind of debate and charge policy altogether. I am very concerned that those who use the park for the right reasons - to walk there and enjoy it - are going to be penalised for those who use it for the wrong reasons, as a through route."