PARKING charges in Richmond and Bushy Park looked set to be given the go-ahead this afternoon.

In a letter, seen by the Informer, culture minister Margaret Hodge, revealed to local MPs Vince Cable and Susan Kramer that she will officially announce her decision this afternoon.

The decision means visitors to the royal parks will have to pay up to £2 per visit.

Ms Kramer said: "It is outrageous that the government is choosing to ignore the strength of opposition to these parking plans. There is a long tradition of free access to the park which will be lost if charges are introduced. I am also extremely concerned that the very real worries of residents about displacement of parking onto residential roads have not been taken on board. But the battle is not over yet. I will now be working with colleagues in parliament to try and force a vote on the plans.

"If the charges are introduced, the Liberal Democrats are already committed to trying to reverse the decision after the next general election. We will be seeking this assurance from other political parties as we continue the fight.

"The message I want to give local residents is that the fight is not over yet. I will continue to campaign through every avenue in parliament and outside to stop these charges being introduced."

In her letter Ms Hodge defends the charges, saying a disproportionate number of people from higher social groups visit the parks in their cars.