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John Penrose, Minister for Tourism and Heritage, has axed plans to introduce parking fees in Bushy and Richmond parks. The Government will now try to find different ways to raise money in these Royal parks. Proposed resurfacing of Richmond Park car parks will also be shelved to preserve their rural character.

Mr. Penrose said 'Plans to introduce car parking charges in these parks were the subject of fierce public opposition from the moment they were first proposed, some 18 months ago, and the local MPs have been lobbying me hard so, after discussing it with them and with the Mayor's office, I've decided to scrap the idea immediately.'

The news came as a huge relief to campaigners, who have furiously fought the Royal Parks’ unpopular proposals since they emerged 18 months ago.

Zac Goldsmith, Conservative MP for Richmond Park, said 'I gave an absolute assurance before the election that we would scrap the charges, and I am thrilled that the Government has honoured that pledge. Put simply, enjoying Richmond and Bushy Parks will never become a budget decision. This is a triumph for Park users, and particularly for all those who signed petitions, wrote to the Minister and joined the mass rally in Richmond Park earlier this year.'