Plans for the introduction of car parking charges for visitors to Richmond and Bushy Parks, London, have been scrapped by tourism and heritage minister John Penrose.

The previous government had proposed that visitors be charged to park their cars despite opposition from MPs, local residents and three local authorities - Wandsworth, Richmond and Kingston councils. Penrose said: "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.

"Given the current economic climate, we will need to find alternative sources of income instead, but we will try to respect local residents' views and preserve the environment of these wonderful and precious spaces too." Wandsworth Council leader Edward Lister has also called for the parks to be run by the three councils rather the Royal Parks, under plans that would see Richmond Council supported by the other two.

Lister said: "The three boroughs adjoining the park would be in the best possible position to ensure that the park was well looked after in accordance with the wishes of the majority of its visitors."