New Forest Residents Could Get Cheaper Parking Pass After Council Vote

New Forest Parking Charges: Residents Could Get Cheaper Pass

New Forest Residents Could Get Cheaper Parking Pass After Councillors Back Motion New Forest councillors have unanimously backed a call for cheaper parking for local residents following the introduction of charges at Forestry England car parks across the national park. The motion, put forward by Cllr Malcolm Wade, asks Forestry England to consider introducing a residents' membership scheme that would cost substantially less than the existing national parking pass. The proposal follows the introduction of parking charges at 129 Forestry England car parks earlier this year, including sites across the New Forest. How much could the residents' parking pass cost? The existing national pass costs £96 a year, or £8 a month, and provides free parking at participating Forestry England sites across England, including the New Forest. Cllr Wade has proposed a New Forest residents' membership priced between 50% and 75% below the national rate. That would put the potential annual cost between £24 and £48, although this is currently a proposal rather than an agreed price. The councillor initially asked for New Forest residents to be allowed to use the car parks without paying, but said that request was rejected. He told the council that older residents and people with serious disabilities had been particularly affected by the new parking charges. What are the current New Forest parking charges? Forestry England's parking charges at the 129 car parks currently start at £1.50 for one hour. A two-hour stay costs £3, while four hours costs £5. Parking for longer than four hours costs £8. The charges have also prompted concerns about the effect on local communities and businesses. During the council meeting, Cllr Jacqui England said local businesses had been affected and referred to a business whose own car park was being used by visitors. Cllr Wade said the proposed residents' scheme would help people living in New Forest communities continue to visit and enjoy the Forest without facing the full cost of the national parking pass. The motion was seconded by Cllr David Millar and received support from council leader Cllr Jill Cleary. What happens next? Cllr Cleary will now write to Forestry England to request a reduced-rate parking pass for New Forest residents. There is currently no confirmation that Forestry England will introduce the proposed scheme or what its final price would be. For drivers planning visits to the New Forest, the existing Forestry England parking charges and national pass arrangements therefore remain important to check until any changes are formally announced.