More than 400 people have put their name on a petition against bringing parking fees to Richmond's Royal Parks.

Earlier this month the Royal Parks charity announced a consultation on introducing parking charges in all the public car parks in both Richmond and Bushy Park.

This would bring parking fees in line with those in place across the rest of London's Royal Parks.

Residents have until November 1 to give their views via an online survey.

A petition against the idea by Mary Ann Ellery has now attracted hundreds of signatures. It reads:

The Royal Parks intend to introduce car parking charges in Richmond Park and Bushy Park. This is an indefensible proposal, particularly at a time when the link between poverty, obesity and poor health has been so clearly highlighted by the impact of Covid 19.

Spending time in the park is one of the very few free and healthy options for families and individuals. It is essential for people's mental and physical well being that access to the parks is encouraged rather than restricted. If, as a society, we really want to fight obesity we must continue to provide spaces for free and healthy exercise.

During lockdown, a much more diverse and geographically widespread group of people discovered the joys of Bushy and Richmond Park; this is a cause for celebration and should be viewed as a positive and healthy development and encouraged as much as possible.

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At a time when people's incomes have been reduced due to CV19 and local services including youth services and social services have been subjected to drastic cuts, the ability to visit the park is even more essential than usual. Introducing car parking charges will disproportionately affect those who need free access the most.

Access to the parks must remain free to all.

Related coverage:

Richmond Council wants money from the Royal Parks if parking fees are introduced

What do you think about the proposal?