Yesterday the Royal Parks said being outdoors and with nature is vital for people's mental and physical wellbeing as it encouraged people to visit over the new lockdown.

But the charity delivered a new message today: "We encourage you to leave your car at home".

A combination of people's options for activities being limited and pleasant weather led the Richmond Park custodians to forecast possible "crowding around the car parks and traffic jams in the surrounding residential areas".

The message which you can read in full below was posted on the Richmond Park Facebook page.

It has disappointed disabled visitors and others who are reliant on a car to get them there. Karen Owens said: "It's over 200 miles away and you want me to leave my car at home?

"I'm one of the disabled visitors, I need my car it's my lifeline, without it I would be housebound, feeling very unwelcome these days in the parks I grew up around and that are my favourite places in England and where my uncle gave many years of loyal service in the parks police."

But Lesley Peyton-Gilbert was supportive of the idea. She wrote: "We live close and this is great advice, it really can be hell."

Royal Parks' message

[i]With the good weather and many places closed to the public this weekend we're expecting Richmond Park to be a popular destination. This could cause crowding around the car parks and traffic jams in the surrounding residential areas and result in many people not being able to enter the park. To avoid this we encourage you to leave your car at home.

We will be posting updates about any situations as they arise on this page over the weekend, so please check in to get the latest information before you start your journey.

For everything else you need to know about visiting the parks during lockdown please visit our website.

Have a great weekend.