PLANS to charge for parking in Richmond and Bushy Parks have been officially scrapped, the Government confirmed this week.

Tourism and heritage minister John Penrose announced on Monday (July 5) he had decided to abolish the controversial proposals following discussions with local MPs and London Mayor Boris Johnson.

"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 (London) Mayor's office, I’ve decided to scrap the idea immediately," he said.

"Given the current economic climate, we will need to find alternative sources of income, but we will try to respect local residents' views and preserve the environment of these wonderful and precious spaces too."

A planning application to install 26 pay and display parking meters in the two parks had attracted more than 230 objections since being submitted last month by The Royal Parks, which manages the two parks.

Richmond Park MP Zac Goldsmith, who fought the proposals along with his predecessor Susan Kramer and Twickenham MP Vince Cable, said: "I gave an absolute assurance before the election that we would scrap the charges, and I am thrilled 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."

The decision had been widely expected, especially after London Mayor Johnson, tipped to be handed control of the capital's eight 'royal' parks, announced his opposition to the proposed charges last month.

But it will come as a relief to the thousands of people who signed petitions against the planned charges of up to £1 an hour and took part in the huge rally at the end of January.