A video of a major traffic jam in Richmond Park caused anger among local residents.
The footage posted on Twitter by the @ ldnparks account shows a queue of around 90 cars standing in a row and has angry park users asking for better congestion measures.
It was filmed by a cyclist on the morning of November 3rd, and there were reports of queues due to the temporary traffic light that was put up at the entrance to the park’s Isabella Plantation.
READ MORE: Parks ruined by fireworks after Diwali and Bonfire Night
One angry local posted on Twitter, “I counted about 90 cars, 2 vans, one truck and maybe 6 cyclists. I guess the line was about half a kilometer long.
“This space could accommodate 33 London buses measuring 11.27 meters, which can carry over 2,500 passengers instead of around a hundred drivers.”
The park has vehicle gates in Richmond, Kingston and Roehampton and is often used as an abbreviation to access these locations directly from each other rather than going around the park via local roads.
Richmond Park is open to vehicles from 7:00 a.m. in the summer and 7:30 a.m. in the winter. Vehicle gates close at dusk year round, but you can still walk in 24/7.
Another man, disappointed that Richmond Park is being used as an abbreviation for London, said, “This is extremely negligent. The line of idling cars is one thing, but a huge truck in a park full of wildlife, pedestrians, and cyclists … really?
Do you want to stay up to date on the latest news, views, features, and opinions from across the city?
MyLondon The 12’s brilliant newsletter is packed with the latest news to keep you entertained, informed and updated.
You will receive 12 stories straight to your inbox around 12 noon. It’s the perfect midday reading.
And what’s more – it’s FREE!
The MyLondon team tells London stories for Londoners. Our journalists cover all the news you need – from the town hall to your local streets, so you don’t miss a moment.
Don’t skip a beat and sign up for The 12 newsletter here.
“Just close the damn gates to the rat traffic – this really isn’t rocket science.”
Criticism of the use of Richmond Park as a “rat race” continued, with one man saying, “The traffic is crazy at times, too much for trailheads and the surrounding areas, and a hazard for all vulnerable users of the park.
“Unfortunately, I’m starting to think that if there was any effective action it would have happened by now.”
Despite traffic problems, Richmond Park is still considered one of the best parks in the capital. It is the largest of London’s Royal Parks and is famous for its deer and wildlife.
If you feel like visiting, preferably by bus or public transport, the address is Richmond Park, TW10 5HS.
Do you have a story you’d like to share? Contact finn.byrne@reachplc.com
Would you like more from MyLondon? Sign up for our daily newsletter here for the latest and greatest news from across London.
