DoE accused of freeze breaking continued on page 18 D
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The Department of the Environment as unfairly increased entry fees for coaches
the Royal Parks, Mr John Stevens, London coach officer of the Transport and 3eneral Workers' Union, told CM on Tuesday. And there will be chaos when the mach permit scheme for the Changing of he Guard ceremony starts this Sunday, he :laimed.
Entry to St James's Park and Green Park )etween the hours of 9.30 am and 12.30 pm rom Sunday will be by permit only at a :ost of 50p. Before the introduction of the
scheme, entry to all Royal Parks cost 50p.
However, it will now be necessary for operators who wish to cover the Guard changing ceremony and visit the other parts to purchase an additional 50p ticket. "This represents an increase of 100 per cent," said Mr Stevens, "and it is taking place during the freeze."
A spokesman for the Royal Parks Division of DOE confirmed that this was the case and went on to say that almost all of the permits for April, May and June had been allocated. The total quantity available is 70 for a Sunday and 95 for every other day and large companies are to be allocated seven daily permits on application. Smaller companies will be confined to one permit.
The DoE has informed operators that restrictions will be rigidly enforced. It has also said that it is confident that it can rely on the co-operation of the coach drivers, Mr Stevens does not suggest that drivers will attempt to enter St James's or Green Park without permits but he expects that the traditional London tour will be re-routed so that the passengers will still be able to see