Wednesday, 15 December 2021
The Environment Secretary says he’s “sceptical” about the pilot traffic “experiment” taking place in Bushy Park
George Eustice made the comments in an email to a resident which Radio Jackie has permission to share.
In it, he says closing off roads to traffic has “increased congestion and associated problems around surrounding roads.”
Mr Eustice, who lives in the vicinity of Bushy Park, goes on to say; “I would prefer to see the park re-opened.”
But he concedes the decision is one for managers, The Royal Parks.
A number of roads in Richmond and Bushy Parks have been closed off to through traffic as part of a traffic calming trial.
A Royal Parks spokesperson has told us;
“Parks such as Bushy Park play a crucial role in boosting the physical and mental wellbeing of city dwellers who are looking to escape the hustle and bustle for a breath of fresh air, and to boost their physical and mental wellbeing by enjoying the wonderful wildlife and landscapes. Our charity’s role is to protect and preserve London’s 8 Royal Parks, which includes Bushy Park’s 1000 acres of historic parkland. Bushy Park provides a valuable, natural landscape which is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest status and we aim to ensure the park is resilient in the face of increasing pressures from climate change. By reducing cut-through motor traffic we will help protect this precious environment and we will enable increasing numbers of visitors to enjoy engaging in the natural environment and walking and cycling in the parks safely and peacefully, now and into the future.”
posted by Radio Jackie News Team @ 6:57 am
