The Royal Parks plans to introduce parking fees in Bushy Park despite opposition by the public to the policy.

The organisation said today that it will proceed with proposals to introduce parking charges in Richmond and Bushy Parks, bringing them in line with its parking policy across the rest of the Royal Parks.

But it also revealed that 81% of those who filled in a public consultation on the policy opposing the changes.

The consultation took place last year and received 12,000 responses.

Andrew Scattergood Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said: "We've seen an ever- increasing demand for parking in our limited number of car parks, and this change is needed.

"It helps us manage demand for the car parks, which are currently often full by mid-morning, and will bring much needed revenue for related maintenance into the Royal Parks charity at a time when other income streams have reduced alongside unprecedented use of the parks.

"This will hopefully encourage many to use more sustainable ways to travel to the parks, both of which are designated as sites of special scientific interest, while ensuring that those who need to visit the parks by car can still do so."

The fees for both parks will be £1.40 per hour Monday to Friday and £2.00 per hour at the weekend.

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There will be a maximum stay of six hours on any day, to encourage turnover.

Blue Badge parking and parking for motorcyclists will continue to be free.

In response to concerns raised in the consultation, The Royal Parks only proposes to charge on weekdays between 9am and 4pm rather than 9am to 6pm as originally planned.

Money raised from parking fees will be spent on related works such as road surface maintenance, pedestrian facilities and other projects that aim to help visitors access the park without needing a car.

The introduction of parking charges requires the approval of Parliament and the proposal can only be tabled when the Parliamentary timetable allows - which is unlikely to be in the near future, the Royal Parks said.