HL Deb 09 February 2004 vol 656 c136WA
Lord Berkeley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why police cars and motorcycles regularly drive along footpaths in Hyde Park; and whether they consider that this is in the interests of pedestrians using those routes. [HL971]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Culture, Media and Sport (Lord McIntosh of Haringey)

Along with high visibility and mounted patrols, these vehicle patrols comprise an important aspect of the Royal Parks policing strategy. They are very much in the interests of those using the footpaths as they reassure visitors and deter crime in the park.