Major Parking Crackdown Begins on 116 New Forest Roads
Drivers in the New Forest are facing a significant parking clampdown as a new temporary ban takes effect on up to 116 roads across the area. The 18-month order, implemented by Hampshire County Council, started on April 1 and will run until September 30, 2027.
Safety Concerns Prompt Restrictions
A spokesperson for Hampshire County Council stated: "The traffic authority is satisfied that there is a likelihood of danger to the public, or of serious damage to the road, resulting from unsafe highway parking obstructing visual splays or obstructing passage along the highway." The council emphasized that these measures are necessary to address persistent safety issues and access problems caused by obstructive parking.
Connection to New Car Park Charges
The temporary restrictions coincide with the introduction of new charges at nearby car parks overseen by Forestry England. In a statement, the authority explained: "The introduction of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order at locations across the New Forest follows Forestry England's decision to introduce charges at the car parks they oversee. This is to help manage any emerging issues caused by unsafe or obstructive parking on the public highway."
Selective Enforcement Approach
Under the plans, no-waiting rules will not be enforced pre-emptively across all 116 roads. Instead, the council clarified: "The TTRO provides the option to deploy initial controls quickly if needed, where persistent safety or access problems occur. These controls would not be deployed pre-emptively at every site; they would be used strictly in response to evidenced issues only." This means restrictions will only be introduced where clear evidence of a problem exists.
New Parking Charges and Local Criticism
Alongside the ban, new parking charges have been rolled out, with costs set at £1.50 for an hour and rising to £8 for more than four hours. Annual members paying £96 will still enjoy free parking. However, the measures have faced criticism from local representatives.
New Forest councillor David Harrison expressed concerns: "I am not at all sure people will agree that the FE plans to charge for car park qualify as an emergency. Clearly, very few people will be happy with heavy double yellow lines painted on our forest roads, that go with permanent orders, or indeed a lot of ugly extra signage everywhere." He added, "From my reading, it doesn't look as though there is any provision in the granting of temporary orders to raise an objection, so we can add that to the ever-growing pile of things that are being imposed upon us without consent."
The council maintains that the temporary order is a proactive measure to ensure public safety and manage parking issues effectively, with enforcement tailored to specific problem areas as they arise.
