Richmond Council will ask for money from the Royal Parks if the charity introduces parking fees in Richmond Park.

Earlier this week a consultation on possible new charges in all the public car parks in both Richmond and Bushy Park was launched.

If it comes to fruition and the fees deter drivers from parking in the park, it could put a strain on spaces in nearby roads and the council will need to revise its Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).

The local authority also said it would seek concessions for drivers and passengers who have impaired mobility but don't hold a disabled badge.

It will encourage the Royal Parks to recognise the Richmond Card in their car parks, which could provide tariff reductions or 30 minutes of free parking for Richmond residents.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann is chair of the council's Transport and Air Quality Committee.

He said: "Ultimately parking arrangements within Richmond and Bushy parks is matter for the Royal Parks.

"However, they need to consider the very real risk of displacement of parked cars into nearby residential areas.

"Parking controls can minimise that impact, but these changes are not without costs to the council and residents.'

"If these proposals go ahead, Richmond Council will be asking Royal Parks for a suitable financial contribution toward parking consultations in the impacted areas & any CPZ changes around the parks via a 'Rapid Reaction CPZ Fund'.

"We also hope that some concessions can be made for those with mobility impairments and that it may yet prove possible to use the Richmond Card to offer some parking concessions to local residents."

"I encourage all residents to have their say in this important consultation."

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