Following the Prime Minister’s update on the response to the Coronavirus pandemic that people can take more outdoor exercise from Wednesday 13 May, the car parks of Hampshire’s country parks will reopen.
Hampshire County Council’s Executive Member for Recreation and Heritage, Councillor Sean Woodward, said: “New Government guidance means that we will be reopening the car parks at Hampshire County Council’s country parks from Wednesday 13 May.”
Normal parking charges will apply.
“I would ask all visitors to keep themselves and others safe when they visit any of Hampshire country parks. Please leave a car’s width when parking and be courteous by checking and allowing others nearby to move away before you step out of your vehicle. This includes when arriving and leaving, and also paying for your parking. As you walk, cycle or run, continue to keep two metres apart from those who are not in your household and use the paths and spaces responsibly so that visitors and staff are not put at risk.”
From 13 May, all country parks (excluding Staunton Farm and Manor Farm attractions) and those sites with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems will operate:
- Normal opening hours
- Normal parking rates
Toilets will be open but cafés, shops, visitor centres and play areas remain closed until further notice.
Councillor Woodward continued: “This positive step forward is dependent on all of us continuing to socially distance and following the Government’s wider guidelines. That way, we stand a quicker and greater chance to recover the much-valued parts of our daily lives such as enjoying Hampshire’s beautiful scenery and outdoor spaces.”
Key steps everyone should keep taking to minimise the spread of Coronavirus:
- Wash your hands often using soap and water, and dry them thoroughly
- Use a tissue when coughing
- Avoid touching your face
