Richmond Park protest

On a sunny, crisp, winter morning hundreds came to Richmond Park to protest the proposed car parking charges. The crowd was very good natured but determined in attitude to protest the proposed car parking charges.

No car Parking charges. Please keep my walks free!

Organised by Zac Goldsmith, this cross party protest was addressed by Zac Goldsmith, Susan Kramer, Justine Greening, Vincent Cable and Pieter Morpurgo to a crowd numbering hundreds maybe more. The protestors queued to sign a banner representing a giant petition.

The message was clear that the charges would be opposed. Justine Greening conveyed to the protestors that when she had spoken with Margaret Hodge the minister responsible for endorsing the charges, she and Susan Kramer had been surprised at how intransigent Margaret Hodge had been in discussing the implications. She also added that Margaret Hodge had shown no desire to come to the park and meet with the people who use the park regularly.

Susan Kramer told the crowd that the MP's for the area would oppose the bill, and that they would try to make the issue a subject for parliamentary discussion. In order to achieve this she urged people to write to Margaret Hodge, showing restraint in their letters, but asking her to reconsider the charges and allow the issue to be discussed in parliament. If this can be achieved then a discussion can be instigated.

Vincent Cable reminded us that with an election in the now foreseeable future, a period of persistent opposition to the charges coupled with the election could delay the imposition. In the event of an incoming new government the charges could be thoroughly reviewed and the matter resolved. Dr. Cable referred to Royal Parks as an “ "arrogant unelected quango" and added that he and his colleagues were “absolutely committed to repealing this”.

Pieter Morpurgo representing Bushy Park, spoke on behalf of
The Friends of Bushy Park expressing consternation and objections to the charges. The charges would affect the people who use the park and not those who use it as a shortcut.

The protest has cross party support with Lib Dem, Tory and Labour parliamentary candidates for the area opposing the charges. The protest was essentially non political. The protestors did not show any political affiliation, but were united in the wish for the park to remain essentially free.

Nonetheless the political dimension must be relevant. With Margaret Hodge being the Labour Minister for Culture and Tourism, it is her that must be opposed. Certainly it is true to say that Labour has nothing to lose in the area and is unlikely to gain a seat in the forthcoming election. We do not know the result of the next election so perhaps the complexion of the new parliament might not be conducive for a vote to reject the implementation.

Therefore it is important for the pressure to be kept up and for those who opppose the charges to maintain the opposition and indeed try to strengthen it. The basis for the opposition is solid with respected politicians involved and fighting the imposition. There is a chance that this battle can be won. Generations have enjoyed the park for free and opponents of the charge must continue to make sure that this continuity is maintained for future generations.

Article: Arcadian Times, January 30th, 2009