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The roads are the old carriage drives, i.e. where the upper crust went to drive their carriages around after mass on Sundays. As cars replaced carriages, that use continued, minus Sundays and masses. It's an interesting example of a continuing tradition. Obviously, in both Regent's and Richmond Parks, the drives are mainly around the perimeter, but in both there are destinations inside the park that require car access, e.g. posh homes in Richmond Park. I remember encountering a homecoming driver in Richmond Park on the Matchlit Ride organised by the VCC, long after the park gates were closed.
Parks, of course, are huge permeability blockages, and the park roads provide some additional permeability.
Oliver Schick
I've got some sympathy here. As a pedestrian, particularly with a toddler, it would be nice not to have to be concerned about bikes flying round the park at high speed.
I don't really know why London still has parks with roads through the middle generally, they should just close them off and turn them into pedestrian priority paths.