Motoring & Transport, New Forest | Posted on October 3rd, 2025 | return to news

Plans for car parking charges for New Forest

The New Forest National Park Authority is calling for the charges from 129 car parks to be reinvested into the park.

Car parking charges are always an emotive subject, so Forestry England’s plan to introduce fees at all 129 car parks across the central Crown Lands of the Forest – around 50 per cent of the National Park – is unlikely to be welcomed by motorists.

Subsequently, the New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has called on Forestry England (FE) to reinvest all income generated from the new car parking scheme back into the New Forest National Park.

FE is the land manager for the Crown Lands of the National Park – the NPA doesn’t own any land. Also, the NPA has no remit in approving or refusing the FE scheme, as any changes are classed as permitted development and don’t require planning permission. It is also not in line to receive any of the income generated by the car parking scheme.

NPA Deputy Chairperson Victoria Mander said that with FE facing a national deficit, the NPA’s Defra budget being reduced by 50 per cent over the past decade, and future funding for commoning unresolved, it’s vital that this new income is additional to that already invested in the Forest and helps support its long-term future.

She said: “We are asking Forestry England to be clearer about where the money will go; we have unanswered questions about how much will be raised from the proposed charges and exactly how these proceeds will be invested to deliver the shared ambitions in the Partnership Plan for the New Forest National Park.

“We have asked for a concession scheme for local people to ensure the National Park remains accessible.

“We are concerned that people will try to park elsewhere, which could have major impacts on wildlife, habitats, local communities and the working Forest; we have advised that robust measures will need to be in place before the scheme starts.

“We also want to see minimal urbanising infrastructure that would change the character and uniqueness of the landscape.”