Commercial Skating Consultation
Commercial Skating Instructors - In the Royal Parks
Have your say
The Commercial Skating in the Royal Parks Consultation seeks your views on whether to allow commercial skating instruction in the Royal Parks.
The purpose of this consultation is to explain why The Royal Parks is considering allowing this activity and to seek views from all interested parties about the options presented here.
Background
The Royal Parks are managed for the enjoyment of the public, balancing the interests of visitors, wildlife, the historic environment and conservation. As pedestrians comprise the majority of visitors and include potentially vulnerable groups, such as small children and the elderly, they have priority in the parkland and open spaces. The Royal Parks (TRP) seeks, however, to cater for wide range of other recreational activities in a way that does not interfere with the safety, comfort and convenience of other park users.
Skating is a popular activity that appeals to a wide range of people. TRP seeks to provide opportunities for skating in the Royal Parks without adverse impact on other park users and the park environment.
Royal Parks Regulations state that, by law, anyone running a business in the parks must have written permission. Specifically, regulation 4.6 states that unless the Secretary of State's written permission has first been obtained, no person using a Park shall carry on any trade or business in a park.
The Royal Parks has not previously allowed commercial skating instruction. Having introduced a registration scheme for professional dog walkers and personal fitness trainers, we are now consulting on whether to allow commercial skating instructors. Alongside this we are introducing a temporary registration scheme to help us gather information on the demand for and range of skating instruction; how we continue to balance the needs of increasing numbers of park visitors; and where instruction could reasonably take place.
Scope of the review
The review specifically relates to those teaching people how to skate in the parks, for commercial gain. It does not affect anyone who is skating in a non-commercial environment.
Skating policy
Alternatively, if you have requested a paper copy of this consultation document, the Royal Parks will attach their skating policy to this.
The Royal Parks are now consulting on two options
Option 1 - to allow commercial skating instructors in the Royal Parks.
This would mean that commercial skating instructors registered with The Royal Parks are operating within Royal Parks Regulations, in defined areas, and are appropriately qualified and insured to instruct.
Option 2 - Not to allow commercial skating instructors in the Royal Parks.
This would mean that all commercial skating instructors are operating in breach of Royal Parks Regulations. For anyone operating in breach of Park Regulations, the police are likely to take their details and may consider appropriate enforcement.
Responding to this consultation
This is a public consultation. It is open to anyone who wishes to comment or respond and all views expressed will be given full consideration. We welcome all responses.
The consultation can either be completed online, or paper copies can be downloaded and returned to:
The Old Police House
Hyde Park
London W2 2UH
Responses to, and enquiries about, this consultation can also be addressed to: marketing@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
Alternatively, please write to the address above to request a paper copy.
The consultation starts on 15 September 2014 and closes on 31 October 2014 at 5pm.
The Royal Parks will publish a statement outlining intended next steps after the closing date.
This consultation will be carried out in accordance with the published Consultation Principles
An Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) will be undertaken at the same time as this public consultation. The EIA will consist of independent interviews with 20 pre-selected groups, including black and minority ethnic groups, religious/faith groups, groups of people from disadvantaged backgrounds, women's groups, older people's groups, younger people and people with disabilities.