Colin Beck, 73, received a £100 fine after stopping for less than ten minutes in a car park at Godshill cricket club near Fordingbridge in the New Forest, Hampshire, to eat an ice cream with his wife. The incident occurred shortly after Forestry England introduced parking charges at its 129 New Forest car parks in April, a move intended to support the organization's finances.
According to reports, Beck was informed by the ice cream server that there was a 15-minute grace period before charges applied. However, a Forestry Commission inspector recorded his license plate, and the fine was later sent by post. Beck has stated he will not pay the fine, calling the charges "another way of screwing motorists" and asserting that the New Forest should remain a free place.
Forestry England confirmed that all car parks now have charges, with rates ranging from £1.50 for one hour to £8 for over four hours. These charges apply to all motorists, including blue badge holders. A spokesperson for Forestry England stated that the car parks display clear signage regarding the terms and conditions, including a "pay later" option to allow motorists time to comply before a parking charge notice is issued.