Thread by @RichmondCycling

#RichmondPark consultation update. [THREAD]

With @RichmondPkCycle we've just spoken to @theroyalparks about the changes due on Saturday.

This thread isn't going to answer all the questions, but we'll make a start.

{Lovely pic H/T @AndyOsira ) 1/...

It's a full consultation and trial.

Everything is 'on the table' following the trial, from going back to 2019 and the park looking more like the A3, through to COVID-era absence of through traffic at all.
2/...

The trial officially starts on Saturday. In mid-November the consultation will begin, and this will run for around six weeks.

The Parks are committing to consulting park users, residents and stakeholders as widely as possible.
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The ambition remains the same as the Movement Strategy states - reduce as much through traffic in the park as possible. **This includes the option of removing through traffic entirely**
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Much as it is disappointing to many of us that cars are back at all, this still leaves us with a radically different park to 2019 and before:
- weekend through traffic only between Kingston and Richmond
- no through traffic between Kingston and Roehampton at any time
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And no traffic entering the park from Sheen Gate, except to park in Sheen Gate car park.
6/...

The parks genuinely welcome other ideas as part of the consultation. Things they're either looking at or want to hear about:
-different/extended cycle hire
-a circular bus or similar service
-other ways to support more visitors, particularly disabled or less mobile visitors 7/..

The trial will finish after six months. The February Royal Parks board meeting is expected to make an immediate decision on the consultation outcome, so there is likely to be little delay before implementation of what they decide.
8/...

So their message is, if you've enjoyed using the park - on foot, bike, wheelchair, skate, skateboard, hoverboard, etc., - make your views known in the consultation and make sure your friends do the same!

/Ends