Through traffic in Richmond Park is set to be "significantly" reduced.

The ambition was announced by the Royal Parks charity, which manages London's eight Royal parks.

It said: "We will design and implement a trial scheme that will reduce through traffic while still providing access to our car parks.

"Our studies show that the majority of all motor traffic in Richmond Park is through traffic.

"By restricting this traffic in the park we will create safer and more enjoyable space for park visitors and improve park ambiance and environment.

"We will set out details on this proposal as soon as possible."

Last month, Richmond Nub News reported polling and park users' opinions on whether Richmond Park should go traffic-free.

Royal Parks will monitor the following in the scheme titled 'Trial significantly reducing the through movement of motor vehicles'.

- In-person park visitor satisfaction surveys (where possible due to Covid-19 restrictions)

- Evaluation of the external implications of our trials in partnership with relevant transport authorities (TfL and local boroughs)

The charity will formally consult with all park visitors and stakeholders on these projects in month 4 of the trial.

It will then determine if it should extend, alter, make permanent or revoke the trial.

The Richmond Park scheme is one of five different trials the Royal Parks will run, as part of its Movement Strategy.

Impact of Covid-19 on the parks

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Royal parks were temporarily fully closed or partially closed to motor vehicles for access and parking, and therefore most of the trial measures have already been in place since the end of March.

It has been a long-term ambition for the Royal Parks to reduce through traffic on its roads to help improve the ambiance and environment for visitors.

Bushy Park road closure

One of the other trials involves restricting all through traffic in Bushy Park with a partial road closure on Chestnut Avenue.

The Royal Parks said: "When the park reopens to motor vehicles, we will maintain a restriction that prevents the park being used as a cut through.

"By closing the link between Teddington and Hampton Court Gates to traffic, we will create new park space for visitors within the centre of the park and will eliminate all commuting motor vehicle traffic.

"Visitors will still be able to drive to the park and the parking provision will be unaffected."

Londoners can continue enjoying car-free parks

The Royal Parks' head of transport Mat Bonomi said: "Our Movement Strategy sets a clear vision for how we will manage our parks now and into the future. We know there is a lot of interest in what we will do next, particularly after the Covid-enforced road restrictions, so we are informing you now of our planned trials for later in the year.

"It is clear that the role parks play in the health and happiness of our cities has never been more important than it is now, and for that reason we are accelerating the implementation of a series of trial projects across six of our parks.

"Our parks have been a lifeline for Londoners during the pandemic and, with more people than ever walking and cycling in London, these trials will be a chance for Londoners to continue to enjoy new car-free areas of the parks.

"As the charity managing over 5,000 acres of historic parkland and green space across London, we must ensure that we conserve and enhance these unique spaces and support the health and happiness of Londoners now and in the future."

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