THE Forestry Com­mission is to introduce on-the-spot fines for people who refuse to pay for parking at its managed picnic site car parks.

Speaking to our feature writer Sarah Daley, Forest Enterprise recreation ranger Richard Mostyn said: "We used to issue warnings to people who refused to pay parking charges. We will be introducing on-the-spot fines later this year.

"We anticipate this will make our job harder, but at the moment the majority who do pay are subsidising the few who refuse."

He said that many did not realise that 25 per cent of funding for the Commission's recreation work came from Government and they had to make up the rest of any costs themselves.

And he added that a 'Discovery' car parking pass was available allowing unlimited parking for a year together with other discounts and benefits, purchaseable at Pedalabikeaway, Beechenhurst, Symonds Yat and their HQ at Bank House in Coleford.

The Forestry Commission introduced parking charges several years ago at popular visitor sites, including Mallards Pike, in the face of local protest. Many argued the formerly 'free' parking was an established right, especially for local people.

The move to introduce fines may well be unpopular with local and visiting motorists on the back of the Forest of Dean District Council's recent decision to charge for parking at formerly free council-run car parks in Forest towns and elsewhere.

It could also lead to increased on-road and 'Forest waste' parking near popular sites.

When the Review went to press it was not known exactly when the charges would be introduced or how much they would be.

The Review asked the Forestry Commission to comment on the issue but Bank House was unable to contact the relevant officer before we went to press.