Drivers have been warned of new parking restrictions now in place across the New Forest, with drivers banned from stopping on more than 100 roads.
Hampshire County Council has introduced the measures covering 116 roads, as part of efforts to tackle unsafe roadside parking.
The move comes just ahead of new charges being rolled out in nearby car parks. The temporary restrictions began on April 1 and could remain in force for up to 18 months.
The council explained the changes are designed to prevent dangerous parking as motorists try to avoid fees introduced by Forestry England.
In a statement, the authority said: “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.”
The ban affects a wide area, including busy routes and rural lanes in Lyndhurst, Brockenhurst, Burley, Beaulieu and surrounding villages. However, not every road will see restrictions at all times.
The council explained: “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.“
The ban could be in place for up to 18 months
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The rules mean no-waiting rules will only be introduced where there is clear evidence of a problem, rather than being enforced across all 116 roads immediately.
Officials are particularly worried about cars being left in unsafe positions, such as blocking junction views or narrowing already tight roads through the forest.
The council added that the order “applies only to issues in relation to the public highway” and does not cover verges or surrounding land.
This has raised concerns from groups, including the New Forest Association, which has previously warned drivers could instead park on grass verges. There are fears this could damage the landscape and create new safety issues.
On top of the parking ban along certain roads, drivers will also see price increases across several car parks
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GETTYDespite the scale of the scheme, enforcement is expected to be limited. The council has indicated the restrictions will not be actively enforced unless problems arise.
The wider changes are being driven by new parking charges from Forestry England, which manages many of the forest’s car parks.
The organisation said the fees are needed due to rising costs. It previously said the charges are necessary because of “the increasing cost of repairing car parks and conserving the forest”.
Under the plans, parking will cost £1.50 for an hour, rising to £8 for more than four hours. Members, who pay £96 a year, will still be able to park for free.
But the introduction of charges has sparked concern that visitors will look for free alternatives by parking on nearby roads.
Drivers will be subject to more restrictions near New Forest Park
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GETTYThat risk appears to have prompted the council‘s action. In its official notice, the council warned there is a “likelihood of danger to the public” if roadside parking increases.
It said vehicles stopping along roads could end up “obstructing visual splays or obstructing passage along the highway”.
The changes mean parked cars could block visibility or make it harder for traffic to pass safely. Drivers are now being urged to check signage carefully, as restrictions are introduced in affected areas. The council said any no-waiting zones will be clearly marked and only used where needed.
But with both restrictions and charges now coming into force, motorists across the New Forest are likely to face increasing pressure on where they can park.