Colin Beck, a 73-year-old retiree, received a £100 fine after stopping with his wife in a car park at Godshill cricket club near Fordingbridge in the New Forest, Hampshire, to eat two ice creams. Despite staying for less than ten minutes, and being informed by the ice cream vendor that there was a 15-minute grace period, Beck's license plate was recorded by a Forestry Commission inspector.
Days later, the fine arrived in the post. The parking charges were introduced in April across all 129 of the Forestry England-managed car parks in the New Forest, which were previously free. The new charges aim to support Forestry England's finances, with rates set at £1.50 for one hour, £3 for two hours, £5 for four hours, and £8 for over four hours. These charges apply to all motorists, including blue badge holders.
Beck stated he would not pay the fine, calling the charges "another way of screwing motorists." He expressed that the New Forest "is meant to be a free place" and that the situation "must have hit" local ice cream businesses hard. He questioned the practicality of eating an ice cream while driving, deeming it dangerous, and described the fine as "heavy handed."
A spokesperson for Forestry England confirmed that all car parks have clear signage detailing the terms and a "pay later" option, which allows motorists time to pay before a charge notice is issued. The introduction of parking fees has led to some visitors feeling priced out of the area.