As Royal Parks launch their trials to reduce cut-through motor traffic in Richmond Bushy Parks, Richmond Council will be closely monitoring the impacts on nearby communities - including congestion and air quality.

Yesterday (11 August) Royal Parks began their trials to create new car-free spaces in Richmond and Bushy Park and reduce the volume of through-traffic.

Responding to the trials, Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee at Richmond Council, said:

"Responsibility for managing traffic within Richmond and Bushy parks lies solely with Royal Parks.

"As it is wholly understandable that Royal Parks do want to protect the environmental status of the parks for the future, we do need to study the effects of these changes to ensure that residents are not adversely impacted by any changes.

"The proposals have tried to address some of the anxieties that residents have voiced about changes to the Park's vehicular arrangements.

"However, these are still significant changes from the status quo - which is why we have agreed to a regime of monitoring that will help inform the Council of the impact on borough roads during the trial.

"If either of these trials result in poor air quality, a decline in road safety or additional congestion in nearby communities where our residents live and work, then they may need amendment or could even prove unsustainable.

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"We encourage residents to share their views with the Royal Parks during the trial phase. We also welcome direct feedback that will inform the Council's overall view and ongoing dialogue with the Royal Parks."

As part of the trials, Bushy Park will see a full-time closure on Chestnut Avenue between Teddington and Hampton Court Gates to motor traffic. Visitors will still be able to drive and park vehicles but access to car parks will be from the closest gate only, with no driving through the park.

A weekday trial at Richmond Park will restrict all through-traffic between Broomfield Hill Car Park and Robin Hood Car Park and close the vehicle link between Sheen Gate and Sheen Cross.

Additionally, at Richmond Park on weekends, the trial will restrict all cut-through traffic between Roehampton, Sheen and Richmond Gates, ensuring this part of the park is a more enjoyable space for all park visitors.