Over 1000 Show Their Anger Against Proposed Parking Charges Royal Parks
Traffic slowed down tooting whilst residential roads soon became overflow car parks
More than 1,000 people flocked to Richmond Part to protest the Governments’ decision to allow the introduction of car parking charges in Richmond Park despite massive opposition. The rally was organised by Zac Goldsmith, and supported by Conservative PPCs Helen Whately and Deborah Thomas. The trio were united against the charges with Lib Dem MPs Vince Cable and Susan Kramer.
Addressing the rally, Putney MP Justine Greening MP said that a future Conservative government would scrap the charges if alternative sources of revenue can be found.
The crowd came from every age group and interest group from dog walkers, nordic walkers, cyclists, families and "coffee drinkers" - all dismayed at the thought that the park would no longer be a free asset for all to share:
"If Ms Hodge gets her way only the wealthy will be able to enjoy it in the future - the public transport services do not service the park" commented one mother of three from Putney.
Zac told the crowd:
"The fact that so many people have turned up proves what a colossal misjudgment the Royal Parks and the Government have made in attempting to impose parking charges in our park. The Minister has said that we can afford the charges. Some of us can. But what about Pensioners? Or mothers with children, or regular dog walkers? And what about the people living around the park whose roads will be jammed with parked cars? These are the people will be punished. Richmond Park isn’t just part of our landscape it’s part of our lives.’
Zac countered the argument that the charges make financial sense. He said:
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It’s another example of the sort of narrow short-term thinking that led the Government to push for the 3rd runway at Heathrow. It will cost nearly £3m to urbanise this beautiful park, and it will generate about 400k per year. So it will take at least 7 years to pay back. There are so many ways to raise the money without undermining the very people who love and use the park."
Deborah Thomas, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Twickenham added:
"It is frustrating that this Labour Government sees South West London as a cash cow to generate funds for its own inefficiencies. Once again they are taxing those people who can least afford to pay for a resource that should be free for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their means. The fight won't stop here and we are committed to ensuring that our Royal Parks remain accessible to all."
Richmond Park MP Susan Kramer and Putney MP Justine Greening said they had both met Margaret Hodge on more than one occasion to press home the case for not introducing charges in the parks and to invite her to the local area and Saturday's rally.
Ms Kramer said: “She is a person who seems to know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” Ms Kramer continued that she found it “absolutely appalling” that people could be charged to come and relax and enjoy the park.
Vince Cable MP commented that the park nearest Ms Hodges' constituency is not up for charging a case if NIMBY perhaps?
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What next? The message from the five speakers was to write "from your head not your heart" to Margaret Hodge voicing the reasons why the parking should stay free - cc the letter to your MP and Zac Goldsmith to ensure the support is registered. | |
| Campaigners sign up their support |
February 1, 2010