§ Mr. ButterfillTo ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to his answer of 29 October 1998,Official Report, column 267, what assessment he has made of the impact of weekend charges for parking in the Royal Parks on (a) parking and (b) road safety in neighbouring streets where no charges are levied; and what representations he has received from residents. [58225]
§ Mr. Alan Howarth[holding answer 4 November 1998]The Agency undertook a consultation exercise to solicit the views of interested parties before making a final decision on the amendments to regulations affecting Hyde Park and Regent's Park.
Those consulted include the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, the neighbouring local authorities, local interest groups, including residents' associations, and the four local MPs. The original proposals were amended as a result of the responses received.
The level of charges is designed to improve traffic management, and is pitched at a level to minimise displacement of traffic and avoid increasing on-street parking in the vicinity. The changes are consistent with government policy on traffic, parking and transport in London.