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Secret plan to ban cars in New Forest Pational Park


A SECRET plan to ban cars from parts of the New Forest can be revealed by the Daily Echo today.

Environment chiefs also want to close down some tourist car parks in parts of the National Park.

The plan has been revealed in a report compiled by New Forest council bosses, a Daily Echo investigation has found.

It is the latest move to spark controversy following proposals by the National Park Authority to ban dogs from parts of the Forest, impose tougher restrictions on horse owners and look at a system of road tolls.

Now a new draft tourism scheme says car parks should be closed in remote areas, which would be designated Forest First zones.

But last night the scheme was branded “arrogant” by a leading campaigner.

David Dickenson, vice-chairman of the protest group NFDOG, which opposes moves to ban dogs from parts of the Forest, said: “Such arrogant behaviour bordering on dictatorship needs to be checked.”

He described the proposals as an attempt to “shut down the Forest to visitors”.

Under the strategy the new sites would be reserved for walking, cycling and riding – with all forms of traffic being removed “where possible”.

The document – called Our Future Together 2 – states: “Some areas of the district are valued for being wild and remote and should remain so.

“If the New Forest is to retain its integrity its needs must come first, before all visitor considerations.

“We believe these areas should remain free of all visitor structures and adjacent car parks and vehicular access should be removed.”

But district council Cabinet member Maureen Holding, who is also a member of the National Park Authority, has told officers to rewrite the tourism strategy.

“There were proposals to ban cars in some parts of the Forest but I don’t think that’s the right thing to do,” she said.

Cllr Holding warned that closing car parks would result in people parking in areas where they were likely to cause even more damage.

She added: “We haven’t got the power to close these things down and it wouldn’t work if we enforced it because we live in a free society.”

New Forest West MP Desmond Swayne said any car park closure plans would not be welcomed by many of the local visitors to the Forest.

“To tell people who have lived and worked in the area for years and generations they can’t go on roads or use car parks is a bit much,” he said.

An NPA spokesman stressed that the strategy was a council document and added: “It’s not related to us in any way.”

New Forest District Council itself was not available for comment.


Comments(26)

Shoong says...
10:45am Wed 17 Jun 09

Why not just fence the entire area off with manned guard gates & signs stating 'No commoners'..?

goard says...
11:29am Wed 17 Jun 09

We meandered through the Forest yesterday, it was not overrun by motorists or an abundance of tourists hell bent on destroying the ambiance of our New Forest - It was sunny, peaceful, apart from Lyndhurst, was so beautiful. But then, again, I blame the tin gods that Lyndhurst could have been by-passed - but there was no MONEY in doing so. So I worry that these secretive tin gods sit on their high horse planning and plotting what money they can make out of the proposed and secretive plans - after all this is the thin edge of the wedge. The power they hold is tantamount to complete control against the principles of the laws of the New Forest. Some tin god closed down the rail in the Forest, inconveniencing the public as well as the locals, NOW they want to open it - you may be sure there's MONEY in it. I have nothing but abhorrence for the quality of our planners and plotters.

goard

Andy Locks Heath says...
11:53am Wed 17 Jun 09

Yes everything is one great big conspiracy isn't it? First it was Watergate now it's New Forest Car Parks. I've heard that the Government are secretly plotting with some tin gods to take away a litter bin in the Locks Heath Centre and replace it with an inferior replica. Will this torment never end?

owen_thesaints says...
12:05pm Wed 17 Jun 09

If the future is banning card from established roads in the forest then we should repay the favour. Lets ban cars with owners who live in the forest from driving on some of our roads in Southampton. Perhaps we can start with turning them back at Redbridge? :)

D'Arcy Sarto says...
12:14pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Andy Locks Heath wrote:
Yes everything is one great big conspiracy isn't it? First it was Watergate now it's New Forest Car Parks. I've heard that the Government are secretly plotting with some tin gods to take away a litter bin in the Locks Heath Centre and replace it with an inferior replica. Will this torment never end?
You're right Andy, conspiracy theorists are trying to take over the world! ;-)

What people seem to overlook is that the New Forest is not public land. On most gates there is a sign which explains that the public have NO right of way but are allowed access for fresh air and exercise. That might not seem fair but thats the way it is. Frankly, i feel that if there weren't so many irresponsible dog owners letting dogs foul the car parks and scare all the wildlife then we probably wouldn't ALL be threatened with all these restrictions.
NF DOG et al can protest the innocence of their members all they want, but if you walk in the forest sevral times a week as i do you will see most dog owners letting their dogs do precisely what they want. I really feel for the responsible minority who are going to be restricted because of the irresponsible majority.

bumblysaint says...
12:16pm Wed 17 Jun 09

What you need to remember Owen, is,
a lot of us who were born in the forest,
and who have lived
and worked there all our lives have absolutely no say in
what goes on anymore.
The forest is now in the control of a
totally unelected and
unwanted gang.
If it aint bust don't
mend it,just like you
Owen we don't like it
but have no control
over their daft new
rules.

Saintbob says...
12:32pm Wed 17 Jun 09

What a bunch of morons. Do they not realise people will just park on the side of the road and verge. As seen at Iply Bridge.

I think there should be a ban on the following; Horses, Deer, Adders, flying model planes, Gorse, heather, Pine Trees, Oak Trees, Grass, Insects, talking, Pigs, Cows, Donkeys, Ducks, Swans, Houses, Farms oh and Water causes alot of damage that should be banned too.

jaspm77 says...
1:42pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Saintbob wrote:
What a bunch of morons. Do they not realise people will just park on the side of the road and verge. As seen at Iply Bridge. I think there should be a ban on the following; Horses, Deer, Adders, flying model planes, Gorse, heather, Pine Trees, Oak Trees, Grass, Insects, talking, Pigs, Cows, Donkeys, Ducks, Swans, Houses, Farms oh and Water causes alot of damage that should be banned too.
What about wasps?

NewForestStu says...
1:46pm Wed 17 Jun 09

More bureaucracy, it all boils down to them trying to set up charges for going anywhere near the forest. As for irresponsible dog owners, poppycock. They won't ever stop me going on the forest. Worst thing to happen was it becoming a NP.

D'Arcy Sarto says...
1:57pm Wed 17 Jun 09

NewForestStu wrote:
More bureaucracy, it all boils down to them trying to set up charges for going anywhere near the forest. As for irresponsible dog owners, poppycock. They won't ever stop me going on the forest. Worst thing to happen was it becoming a NP.
I rest my case.
Here is a classic example of the 'my coochie woochie little poochie is more important than any other animal' type attitude that is risking restrictions being placed on the rest of us.
Thanks Stu for such a wonderful illustration of my point.

Jesus_02 says...
3:55pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Does a Deer Sh1t in the woods?

I think that we should ban all animals from deficating in the forest. Its discusting, have you seen the place, horse manure everywhere. We should introduce £50 FINE (Or make people wear suitable green wellies)

allotment-grower says...
4:04pm Wed 17 Jun 09

not a secret now though

Mac Ince says...
4:19pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Hi Jesus,

Deers do. And it's good for the soil. It's manure. However, the tinned food that Dogs eat is not good for the forest floor. Do a little research before you post such stupid remarks. Approximately 9.5 tonnes of faeces are deposited in the forest each day, this article might set you straight.
http://www.thedogbow
l.com/PPF/category_I
D/37/dogbowl.asp

:)

Jesus_02 says...
4:20pm Wed 17 Jun 09

For some reason I cant quote D’arcy. But to paraphrase

“the public have no right of way in the forest”

Firstly it has national park status, which to my mind suggests that it is owned in at least part by the nation.

Secondly who exactly are “the public” in this situation? Do home owners in the forest have a different set of rights than someone that lives in Fawley or Totton?

Thirdly just because someone has put a sign up does not make it law

To quote someone with more sence

“There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me;
Sign was painted, it said private property;
But on the back side it didn't say nothing;
That side was made for you and me.”
Woody Guthrie 1944

annoyed01 says...
4:26pm Wed 17 Jun 09

D'Arcy Sarto, Hythe says...
I rest my case.
Here is a classic example of the 'my coochie woochie little poochie is more important than any other animal' type attitude that is risking restrictions being placed on the rest of us.
Thanks Stu for such a wonderful illustration of my point.


Your an idiot most people take responsibility for there dogs and have every right to be there so dozy C**ts like you should keep your noses out. If I want to ride my horse and walk my dog in the forest then I will.

Jesus_02 says...
4:31pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Mac Ince wrote:
Hi Jesus, Deers do. And it's good for the soil. It's manure. However, the tinned food that Dogs eat is not good for the forest floor. Do a little research before you post such stupid remarks. Approximately 9.5 tonnes of faeces are deposited in the forest each day, this article might set you straight. http://www.thedogbow l.com/PPF/category_I D/37/dogbowl.asp :)
Mac

I was being

Faeces-ious.

I don’t mind Dogs & Cat's but I wouldn’t keep one myself, I cant abide what they leave behind.

I don’t think that tinned dog food is the problem though, its probably more like the nitrate levels.

9.5 tonnes is an awful lot too. I wouldn’t have like to be the researcher that picked that lot up!

Maybe I’m being a little faecsious there too. I’m sure that they just asked all the dog owners that don’t normally remove the dogs leavings to pick them up just this once and weigh them.

Ps just had a though, what about foxes eh? No worries what we'll do, is get a few dogs and round up a posse!

Jesus_02 says...
4:31pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Mac Ince wrote:
Hi Jesus, Deers do. And it's good for the soil. It's manure. However, the tinned food that Dogs eat is not good for the forest floor. Do a little research before you post such stupid remarks. Approximately 9.5 tonnes of faeces are deposited in the forest each day, this article might set you straight. http://www.thedogbow l.com/PPF/category_I D/37/dogbowl.asp :)
Mac

I was being

Faeces-ious.

I don’t mind Dogs & Cat's but I wouldn’t keep one myself, I cant abide what they leave behind.

I don’t think that tinned dog food is the problem though, its probably more like the nitrate levels.

9.5 tonnes is an awful lot too. I wouldn’t have like to be the researcher that picked that lot up!

Maybe I’m being a little faecsious there too. I’m sure that they just asked all the dog owners that don’t normally remove the dogs leavings to pick them up just this once and weigh them.

Ps just had a though, what about foxes eh? No worries what we'll do, is get a few dogs and round up a posse!

D'Arcy Sarto says...
4:36pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Jesus_02 wrote:
For some reason I cant quote D’arcy. But to paraphrase “the public have no right of way in the forest” Firstly it has national park status, which to my mind suggests that it is owned in at least part by the nation. Secondly who exactly are “the public” in this situation? Do home owners in the forest have a different set of rights than someone that lives in Fawley or Totton? Thirdly just because someone has put a sign up does not make it law To quote someone with more sence “There was a big high wall there that tried to stop me; Sign was painted, it said private property; But on the back side it didn't say nothing; That side was made for you and me.” Woody Guthrie 1944
Yes, it is owned by the nation-That doesn't mean that you have a right of way, maybe it should but it doesn't.

Yes, many homeowners in the forest do have a different set of rights in the Forest if their property has 'commoners rights' attached to it.But there are other ways to get commoner status rather than just from your property.

I didn't suggest that because someone puts up a sign it makes it law...the same way that just because you don't agree with a law it doesn't mean that it's not binding.

It's senSE by the way..
"Yes, as through this world I've wandered I've seen lots of funny men; Some will rob you with a six-gun, and some with a fountain pen” ...or keyboard!
Woody Guthrie..apart from the last bit ;-)

D'Arcy Sarto says...
4:40pm Wed 17 Jun 09

annoyed01 wrote:
D'Arcy Sarto, Hythe says... I rest my case. Here is a classic example of the 'my coochie woochie little poochie is more important than any other animal' type attitude that is risking restrictions being placed on the rest of us. Thanks Stu for such a wonderful illustration of my point. Your an idiot most people take responsibility for there dogs and have every right to be there so dozy C**ts like you should keep your noses out. If I want to ride my horse and walk my dog in the forest then I will.
Yes i know you will..thats entirely my point!

You don't have every right at all...you don't have ANY rights to use the forest. It may seem wrong but i'm afraid it's a fact.

Mac Ince says...
4:50pm Wed 17 Jun 09

Hi again Jesus.

Thanks for pointing out it was supposed to be a joke. I get it now. Ha ha.
Intonation is difficult to express whilst writing. I'm afraid I couldn’t distinguish your post from the rest of the badly-informed ones posted.
But my point was made because many people would actually not see the difference, between dog’s and wild animal’s excrement. Maybe you could point me in the direction of some nitrate in Dog Food studies?

NewForestStu says...
5:20pm Wed 17 Jun 09

annoyed01 wrote:
D'Arcy Sarto, Hythe says... I rest my case. Here is a classic example of the 'my coochie woochie little poochie is more important than any other animal' type attitude that is risking restrictions being placed on the rest of us. Thanks Stu for such a wonderful illustration of my point. Your an idiot most people take responsibility for there dogs and have every right to be there so dozy C**ts like you should keep your noses out. If I want to ride my horse and walk my dog in the forest then I will.
D'arcy, where in my post did i state i walked a dog on the forest?, come to think of it i am not even a dog owner. Forget dogs, they are trying to stop people riding horses on the forest, is that not a joke in itself with ponies and donkeys etc on the land? And before you even go there, i have not and am not a horse owner either.


annoyed01 says...
5:41pm Wed 17 Jun 09

D'Arcy Sarto, Hythe says...
Yes i know you will..thats entirely my point!

You don't have every right at all...you don't have ANY rights to use the forest. It may seem wrong but i'm afraid it's a fact.


Thats were your wrong again you pratt I live on the forest and do have the right to be on there. Self rightous twerps like you really need to take a look yourselves your scum

MarchwoodSaint says...
6:21pm Wed 17 Jun 09

There must be some dogs with extremely active bowels if it is the minority of owners that do not clear up after their dogs. I walk in the forest daily from various carparks and a circular 100m or so around each is littered with these wonderful little parcels.

D'Arcy Sarto says...
6:31pm Wed 17 Jun 09

annoyed01 wrote:
D'Arcy Sarto, Hythe says... Yes i know you will..thats entirely my point! You don't have every right at all...you don't have ANY rights to use the forest. It may seem wrong but i'm afraid it's a fact. Thats were your wrong again you pratt I live on the forest and do have the right to be on there. Self rightous twerps like you really need to take a look yourselves your scum
A couple of points.
1- You call me a c*** and scum, and then you tell me that 'I' need to take a look at myself! Classic, you should be on the stage!

2-During the foot and mouth outbreak you had THE RIGHT to walk your dog on the forest did you?
I think 'NO' is the answer you are looking for. The forest was closed for all recreational purposes.

Andy Locks Heath says...
6:51pm Wed 17 Jun 09

I think you're right D'arcy. As for Annoyed01 if he/she had any real empathy with the Forest they would realise that the excreta of a non native carnivore not only carries warning signals for indiginous birds and animals that droppings from herbivores do not, but that dog faeces are not so easily broken down by naturally occurring bacteria and insects as the droppings of native animals. Plus they carry harmful diseases and parasites to which native animals are less resistant. True Forest residents understand these points as second nature. Ignorant berks such as annoyed01 do not. It's true that a well trained gun dog minimises damage but an excited frantic dog running wild can destroy many nest broods and disrupt breeding everywhere it goes. Why do people think the Dartford Warbler is so rare?

Higginz says...
11:59am Thu 18 Jun 09

Any attempt to decrease the disruption to nature, caused by the scourge of humanity, is a good thing IMHO.


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