MP TRIES TO FORCE A DEBATE ON RICHMOND PARK PARKING CHARGES

11.42.53am GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston yesterday used parliamentary mechanisms to try and force a debate on plans to introduce parking charges into Richmond Park.

The MP was joined by neighbouring MPs Vince Cable and Ed Davey, as well as Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg and Don Foster, Liberal Democrat Culture Media and Sport Spokesman and Paul Burstow MP to formally request the debate.

The MP is now encouraging protesters to write to Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to demand that a debate be granted on the plans.

Susan Kramer MP commented:

"I'm sure this move will be supported by all parties, but we have requested the debate in the name of the Liberal Democrat frontbench in order to increase the pressure on the Government.

"I now urge local residents to contact Ben Bradshaw MP, the Minister for Culture, Media and Sport to call for these plans to be debated on the floor of the Commons."

"The Government must realise that the huge opposition to the introduction of charges is not going away, and that the battle is not over yet."

The text of the prayer is below:

"That an humble Address be presented to her Majesty praying that Draft - The Royal Parks and other Open Spaces (Amendment) etc. Regulations 2010 which were laid before this House on 1 February be not made."

By 'praying against' the Statutory Instrument, the MPs are calling for a debate to be held on the proposals.

The Statutory Instrument proposes charging for parking between 8.30 and 18.30 every day in Richmond and Bushy Parks, with charges to be set at 25p for 15 minutes, up to £3 maximum in Richmond Park, and 25p for up to 30 minutes, up to £2 maximum in Bushy Park. Motorcycles and disabled badge holders can park for free. There is no mention of season tickets for parking.The penalty for those who do not pay parking would be £80, reduced to £40 if paid within 14 days.

Susan Kramer MP is calling for local residents to contact Ben Bradshaw, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to call for a debate to be granted by emailing bradshawb@parliament.uk or by post to Department for Culture Media and Sport, 2-4, Cockspur Street, London, SW1Y 5DH