Illegal Parking

The Agisters of the New Forest, together with the Commoners who own the livestock that freely roams the Forest, require 24 hour access to effectively manage their livestock. If an animal is injured and access is restricted by a carelessly parked vehicle, this may seriously compromise that animal’s welfare and, in some cases, it’s chance of survival.

The Verderers have joined forces with Fire Crews, Ambulance Teams and the Forestry Commission in a potentially life-saving drive to curb careless parking across the New Forest. From now on (Oct 10), motorists leaving their vehicles in Forest gateways, and Forest verges will find stickers put on their windscreens warning them about the peril they are causing.

But it is not just animals lives being put at risk. Seconds count when an ambulance is called to someone who has suffered a heart attack out on the Forest. Speed can be just as vital when someone falls from a horse or bicycle. If a Forest access is blocked by a thoughtlessly parked car a patient could pay for it with his life.
The Hampshire Fire & Rescue New Forest Group Manager commented that it is crucial the campaign message gets through: ‘save lives, protect the forest.’ He added: “We want people to park wisely. And that means well away from forest gates and access points”.

“We’re on constant alert in case of fires in the Forest. In these conditions a blaze can easily travel 100 metres in a minute. If our fire engines are held up at a gate even for a couple of minutes it can result in enormous destruction being caused to the Forest and its wildlife.”

A Forestry Commission spokesperson said that verge side parking also put lives at risk. Pedestrians and livestock are in peril every time oncoming motorists have to manoeuvre around an improperly parked car and the parking campaign will be ongoing. The details of any cars repeatedly found blocking forest access routes will be recorded.