POLICE tackling dangerous parking in the New Forest have urged motorists to act responsibly over the Easter weekend.

Officers joined Forestry England for patrols in the Burley area and found vehicles obstructing gateways.

A spokesman for New Forest Heart Cops said: "We encountered a number of motorists who had parked on and caused obstructions on grass verges or gateways, which are often needed for emergency vehicle access.

"As a result, we engaged with those motorists around their parking and the risks they pose in doing so in terms of preventing emergency vehicles and personnel from gaining access to the scene of an incident.

Warning to stay local as Easter weekend approaches

"We appreciate that with the warmer weather and the gradual easing of Government restrictions that areas across the New Forest are likely to see an exponential rise in footfall. Therefore we would ask that people park responsibly using the appropriate car parks which are accessible throughout the Forest."

Police will continue to work with Forestry England and New Forest District Council over the coming weeks and months.