CONSULTATION has begun on proposals to introduce parking charges at Meldon Reservoir car park and several other car parks in Dartmoor National Park.

Visitors to Dartmoor are being asked to give their views about the introduction of a Pay and Conserve parking scheme at five car parks including at Haytor, Postbridge, Meldon and Newbridge. Residents and those with an interest in the national park are also being encouraged to send their views to Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The scheme is being introduced as the national park authority looks for better ways to manage its car parks, continue to maintain and improve visitor facilities and support the authority’s work to improve public access, conserve wildlife and important heritage sites. 

Andrew Watson, head of recreation access and estates for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: ‘The consultation is open to any interested party who would like to give their views on the proposals. We are also writing to groups and organisations who use these car parks, inviting them to have their say about the proposals and how the proposed changes may affect them.’

You can take part in the consultation at www.dartmoor.gov.uk/consultations or by completing a survey form at one of the visitor centres at Princetown, Postbridge or Haytor. 

The consultation runs until Friday, August 18.

Once all the responses have been analysed, the results will be reported to Dartmoor National Park Authority members for a final decision.