Richmond Park Traffic Changes

11.50.26am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 25th May 2004

Susan Kramer PPC at one of the new pedestrian crossings in Richmond Park by Pembroke Lodge Car Park

Over the last few weeks, local residents may have noticed a few changes in Richmond Park including the new pedestrian crossings and the 20mph speed limit. Commenting on these changes, Susan Kramer, Lib Dem Prospective Candidate for Richmond Park said, "Its excellent that the Royal Parks Agency has now put raised pedestrian crossings in the roads near the car parks in Richmond Park. Unfortunately few pedestrians are using them because they don't realise where they are. The signs are aimed at cars on the road but if you are on foot in the park or the parking area you almost certainly can't see them.

"We don't want a park full of Belisha beacons but surely notices inside the car parks themselves would do no harm."

Jenny Tonge MP said, "The new pedestrian crossings certainly fit in with the original objectives of the Royal Parks Agency in so far as that they will help make the park safer and fit in with the natural landscape. However I have to agree with Susan Kramer, that it seems odd to advertise a pedestrian crossing to car users rather than to pedestrians. I hope that the RPA will look into this and review their use of signage."

Susan Kramer PPC on the new 20mph limit said: "Although its far too soon to have any formal results from the new 20mph speed limit in Richmond Park, just as an observer, car traffic seems to have dropped off quite sharply.

"I can say as a driver that its hard work keeping below 20mph but its worth it for the calm and if this finally ends the threat of more closures of the park gates. The rat runners seem to have been driven away and the traffic is now people who want to enjoy the views or have no other reasonable route.

"This success should be taken into account when the closure of the Robin Hood Gate is reviewed in the summer. Residents outside the Kingston Gate have suffered particularly and it would be wonderful for them if this 20mph strategy allowed the Robin Hood Gate to be re-opened in at least one direction."