Zac Goldsmith leads Rally against Richmond Park car charges

We

need as many people as possible to help us send the Government a

clear and strong message that we are opposed to the introduction of

car parking charges in Richmond Park.

To that end, I

have organised a mass rally to show the Secretary of State the depth

of local feeling. It will happen at 10:30 on January 30th, starting

at Pembroke Lodge, and I have teamed up with Putney MP Justine

Greening.

The charges are not intended to be a green

initiative. The idea is simply to raise money. But there are

countless ways to raise money without alienating people who use and

love the Parks - people for whom the Park is now the only place to

avoid the hustle and bustle.

The charges will have zero

impact on traffic through the Park, and little impact on use of the

parking areas. People will either pay up, or park in nearby streets,

causing localised problems.

Earlier this year, I

collected more than 2,000 signatures calling on the Royal Parks

Agency to scrap the plans. However the decision now sits with

Margaret Hodge, and we must ensure she hears our concerns.

Finally,

and for the avoidance of doubt, the rally is not a party political

event and there will be no political banners of any colour. We have

invited the Liberal Democrats along, and believe they will be

attending.

Zac Goldsmith

PPC Richmond Park and North

Kingston

www.zacgoldsmith.com