Forestry England could impose parking charges in New Forest

David Harrison said the practice of charging in council-owned car parks in towns and villages could be extended to include woodland sites operated by Forestry England.

The organisation has confirmed that proposals to scrap free parking at "some" facilities in the district are under discussion.

Many of the gravel car parks maintained by Forestry England are at tourist hot spots such as Bolten's Bench in Lyndhurst and Hatchet Pond near Beaulieu.

Cllr Harrison is a member of New Forest District Council and the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA).

He said: "The rumours are getting stronger by the day. There is no official announcement but do not be surprised if you shortly hear of plans to introduce compulsory car parking charges at virtually all New Forest car parks."

Charges could be introduced in woodland car parks owned and operated by Forestry England (Image: Newsquest)

Recalling a conversation he had with a senior Forestry England official many years ago Cllr Harrison said: "He acknowledged that [charging] is a controversial move but one they may be forced into at some stage.

"The measure is bound to get a degree of resistance, mostly from local people who have got used to 'free car parking' and consider the taxes they pay should cover the cost of Forestry England maintaining the car parks."

Cllr Harrison warned that drivers would try to dodge charges by parking on grass verges.

He added: "I have no doubt that Forestry England will feel the need to discuss matters fully with partners, including the Verderers, local authorities, and the National Park Authority.

"If Traffic Regulation Orders are necessary, I have already established that these are currently taking two-and-a-half years to implement."

Charges could be introduced at Forestry England car parks in the New Forest (Image: Newsquest)

A Forestry England spokesperson added: "The recreation management strategy, developed by all Forest organisations, sets out a number of ways to manage the impact of the huge numbers of people spending time in the Forest and raising the funds needed to do so.

"These plans include looking at introducing charging for some facilities. 

"At the same time, we are experiencing significant increases in the costs of materials and services needed to maintain our 130 car parks. A more sustainable approach is needed if we are to maintain such a large network. 

"We are working together with other agencies to look at these issues and will share more information as plans develop."

An NPA spokesperson added: "'We understand that proposals will be coming forward on car parking in the New Forest.

'It is important for everyone to have sight of these proposals in good time and that there is meaningful consultation so all interested groups have a chance to input and have their say."