RPA to reduce speed, carparking spaces and close Robin Hood Gate in Richmond Park.

Yesterday 25th February the RPA announced that following the months of investigation and debate there would be no charging for traffic entry to Richmond Park but that the speed limit would be reduced, parking space reduced and Robin Hood Gate closed for a one year "test" period.

The full changes are:

· The speed limit within Richmond Park will be reduced to 20mph. This proposal was supported by a majority of respondents to the consultation and will help to protect the Park and its wildlife, as well as increasing pedestrian safety;

· Richmond Park's Pen Ponds car park, sited in centre of a nationally important 250 acre zone of acid grassland, will stay open. It will be scaled down to 95 spaces, including 11 disabled park bays;

· Robin Hood Gate will be shut to motor traffic for a 12 month trial period with a review of its impact after just 3 months;

· Bus links to the park will be improved but there will be no bus links through it;

· Existing car parks will be enhanced through resurfacing, capacity enhancement and landscaping. This will provide around 50 additional parking spaces;

· Road crossings for pedestrians will be improved;

· Any form of road charging in the park is rejected for the foreseeable future.

In reaching these decisions The Royal Parks claim it has examined the responses it received from the statutory consultees (i.e. the local authorities of Richmond, Kingston and Wandsworth as well as Transport for London) and from individual members of the public.

Tony Colman has been lobbying the Minister not to go ahead with the closure because of the increased traffic that will be pushed into Roehampton, causing environmental problems for local residents and school children. Tony Colman explained:

"I have made clear that I am very concerned that the closure of Robin Hood Gate will have dire consequences for Roehampton, with increased traffic in a predominantly residential area with a number of schools along major roads. The Department of Culture have agreed that the trial period will be reviewed after 3 months instead of 12. If they find that the negative impact on Roehampton is significant they have agreed to cut the trial short. I would therefore encourage local residents to let me know of any problems they experience during the trial period."

Wandsworth borough council who have been opposed to any closure of Richmond Park have described the closure of the gate as an" environmental disaster" for the residents of Roehampton. They believe that an extra 700 vehicles an hour could divert through Roehampton village during the morning peak and heavier traffic will also be expected on Clarence Lane as drivers seek to enter the park at Roehampton Gate.

Cabinet member for regeneration and transport Kathy Tracey immediately called for the RPA to instigate proper monitoring of the effects of the closure. More than 90 per cent of people responding to a council survey had voted against the gate's closure. Ninety three per cent opposed plans to completely close Pen Ponds car park.

Cllr Tracey said: "The RPA has made it clear that it has no interest in the problems caused by extra traffic in Roehampton. That's why they are prepared to impose this closure without any concern about its impact on the surrounding area.

"Roehampton village will be inundated with hundreds of extra cars every day. This unacceptable increase in traffic levels will seriously undermine all the efforts that are being put into regenerating the area. And the dramatic reduction in parking capacity at Pen Ponds will spell the end of the weekend trip to the park for many elderly people, the disabled and those with very young children."

However, thanks to a campaign launched by regular Richmond Park users and support from local MPs the Minister has agreed not to close Pen Ponds Car Park. Instead this car park will be reduced in size to around 90 spaces, 11 will be reserved for drivers with special needs. 50 extra spaces are planned in other car parks in the park. Tony Colman said:

"I am very pleased that the Minister has not gone ahead with the proposal to close Pen Ponds Car Park completely, it is an essential amenity for less mobile park users. Local users campaigned against this closure as did myself and other local MPs, our concerns have been listened to and I hope this compromise will work."

You can find a copy of the full report to download on the RPA website at http://www.royalparks.gov.uk/richmond.

Tony Colman has been lobbying the Minister not to go ahead with the closure because of the increased traffic that will be pushed into Roehampton, causing environmental problems for local residents and school children. Tony Colman explained:

"I have made clear that I am very concerned that the closure of Robin Hood Gate will have dire consequences for Roehampton, with increased traffic in a predominantly residential area with a number of schools along major roads. The Department of Culture have agreed that the trial period will be reviewed after 3 months instead of 12. If they find that the negative impact on Roehampton is significant they have agreed to cut the trial short. I would therefore encourage local residents to let me know of any problems they experience during the trial period."

The trial period will begin in the Autumn after road improvements to Roehampton Lane are carried out, which it is hoped will shield the Alton Estate from extra traffic.

Tony Colman said:

"I am very pleased that the Minister has not gone ahead with the proposal to close Pen Ponds Car Park completely, it is an essential amenity for less mobile park users. Local users campaigned against this closure as did myself and other local MPs, our concerns have been listened to and I hope this compromise will work."

24th February 2003.

Associated articles:

The case against closure

The Royal Parks Agency's Reply

Comment on this issue from the forum

Wandsworth Council concerned for residents if Robin Hood Gate is closed 21.02.02

Wandsworth seek legal advice to stop closure of Robin Hood Gate 26.02.02

Cllr Lister condems plans to close Pen Ponds 13.03.02

High Court forces RPA to U turn on Robin Hood Gate closure 17.04.02

Extra Time for the Richmond Park consultation. 02.08.02

Survey shows 90% of residents against gate closure. 10.09.02

Richmond Park traffic plans - public meeting October 1 - 25.09.02

Robin Hood Gate closure plea to Royal Parks as nine in ten vote against 11.11.02

Minister apologises - but still no information on Richmond Park closures 14.01.03