§ We have extended the maximum stay at pay and display spaces to four hours throughout both Hyde Park and Regent's Park because it was felt that two hours was insufficient. Many park visitors, particularly families and people taking part in sports or enjoying the summer entertainments, often spend up to half a day at a time in the park, especially in the summer months.
§ We shall, of course, monitor the new arrangements and, if there are shortcomings, take whatever action is necessary is put them right.
§ I am pleased to say that we appear to have prevented the worst of the commuter parking in Hyde Park. However, it is almost impossible to introduce a system that will satisfy every criterion, and we introduced the new regulations because it became clear that the scheme 46WA we introduced last August was less than satisfactory for people who visit the park frequently. I hope the new arrangements will result in more vehicles parking because more motorists are visiting the parks, but I certainly do not want only to provide cheap parking for commuters.
§ I can confirm that we do intend to return the Serpentine car park to parkland again when resources permit.