LONDON, ENGLAND.- Richmond Park’s Robin Hood Gate is to stay closed to benefit local environment, says Culture Minister David Lammy. Following a trial closure that saw road traffic in the eastern part of Richmond Park fall by more than half, the Robin Hood Gate in Kingston Vale is to be closed permanently, Culture Minister David Lammy said today.

The Minister’s decision reflects the special environmental status of Richmond Park. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a National Nature Reserve and a European Special Area of Conservation. It also takes account of an extensive public consultation and a traffic consultant’s report.

David Lammy said: “Richmond Park is a precious resource for all of London. It is no surprise that it enjoys special recognition, and right that it takes on the ‘green’ obligations that go with it.

“The park roads are not part of the strategic network. They are there for park users. And yet 95 per cent of peak hour traffic through the park is by commuters, with more than 4,000 cars an hour going through at times. It cannot be right that a real environmental amenity should be put at risk by this continuing."