News

Cyclist's anger at Look Out parking fine

By Becky Barnes
October 09, 2012

A cyclist who is one of hundreds of people hit by parking fines at The Look Out and Coral Reef plans to boycott the car parks.

Bracknell Forest Council revealed that more than 150 fines had been issued after the controversial charges were introduced at the car parks two and half weeks ago.

James Johnson visits Swinley Forest every few months and parked at The Look Out in Nine Mile Ride, to cycle in the woods with friends on Saturday, September 22.

Mr Johnson, of Newbury, said he will boycott the car park if the council makes him pay up and has called for an ‘adequate grace period’ for people to get used to the new charges.

He said: “Parking at The Look Out has always been free of charge and we had no reason to check or assume the arrangement had changed. The first point at which we became aware of the issue was the PCN (Penalty charge notice) attached to the windscreen of my vehicle.”

Opposition to Look Out parking charges

Mr Johnson said he purchased a ticket covering the three hours he was there and sent it alongside his appeal letter on Monday, September 24.

He said: “I dare say that a number of other regular forest users, who come from outside the local authority have also fallen foul of this.

“I believe there should be an adequate grace period and not a total enforcement of this new rule in the month that it is applied.

“On a broader note, I would like to know at what point “the woods” became something families now have to pay for?

“It is hardly congruous with the promotion of a healthier outdoor lifestyle and I think that the councillors responsible for implementing this policy should be ashamed of themselves.

“It’s clear money spinning and nothing else.

“My friends and I will no longer be visiting Swinley Forest and will instead find another place to ride our bikes within our own local authority where we are at liberty to park for free.”

Green light for Look Out parking charges

One hundred fines were issued in the first week of the charges, mostly at The Look Out and more than 50 have been handed out since then.

A council spokeswoman said nine written complaints had been received since the charges were introduced on Monday, September 17, and a number of fines had been contested.

She added the council cannot give an exact figure of the number of contested fines as ‘the challenge and appeal process can take up to three months’.

She also said figures on the revenue raised at the two sites since the charges began would not be available until later in the month.

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Most recent user comments 10 of 10

I read this and had to smile - I agree these numpties should start to check these things as there are new signs and obviously ticket machines in place (as others have stated) – to say you did not see them is no excuse

But on the other hand I do think BFC is trying to rip people off – the charges are £2 per ‘visit’ (up to 4 hours or £4 for the day) as most visitors will only stay for a short time to walk their dog, have a stroll or similar then this does seem excessive

And do cyclists stay up to 4hrs? And if anyone goes over 4hrs they have to pay more

I can understand the need to charge but a more realistic cost would be better, especially for those just staying 30mins to an hour

If people decide not to use it then the whole exercise is a waste as no money will be made – plus the loss of revenue from the café etc!

A Concerned Local, Reading
13/02/2013 at 11:46

My running group who used to meet every week at the Lookout for a run followed by a cuppa and snack in the cafe have already stopped going there. No way are we paying this tax on exercise, we have plenty of other choices locally. BFC should be ashamed of this policy. It would have been fairer to start charging their own staff and councillors for the parking they get free of charge at ratepayers expense. Goodbye Lookout.

Steve from Binfield
10/10/2012 at 18:25

2My friends and I will no longer be visiting Swinley Forest and will instead find another place to ride our bikes within our own local authority where we are at liberty to park for free.”

Bye

Friday's child, Reading
10/10/2012 at 12:44

SHOCKING! considering BFC have a £1.8 million underspend a million underspent on the learning disabled. So, they rob from people with special needs and then have the cheek to now charge people who want to keep fit.

Time4tea
09/10/2012 at 15:03

I would suggest an eye test perhaps??? how could he not see the signs, or machines .....Maybe Bracknell Forest Council should write to everyone in Berkshire to let them know? Its always someone else's fault. People moan about rights, what about responsibilities! Ignorance under the law, is no excuse.

Tom Edwards, Bracknell
09/10/2012 at 13:57

I had a colleague from outside the area visit the water park across the road where the new costs have also been introduced. Despite the heavy rain a member of staff was located in the car park (OK, no loud hailer!), advised him of the change and how to claim his money back. He was delighted by the service and will be a returning customer. Separate note - you don't pay for the woods, you can walk in for free- you pay for the parking- park at Sainsburys and ride over? Or the Hilton, Crown Wood shops? Storm in a tea cup?

Wobbly Bob
09/10/2012 at 13:24

‘adequate grace period’ being whatever it takes for clowns to get out of paying the fine.

The reason to check is that it isn't his driveway. I do loathe these people that apparently think they should have someone shouting warnings at them through a loudhailer, the signs with flashing neon text, or it is unfair to expect them to read

This is people ignoring the Council, not vice versa.

“On a broader note, I would like to know at what point “the woods” became something families now have to pay for?" The point costs of maintenance need to be covered, to ensure the woods are enjoyed by all for years to come. Idiots refusing to visit again should be a healthy starting point.

Nowtas, West Berkshire
09/10/2012 at 12:36

Did the big sign at the entrance or the pat machines that are in the car park not give you any clues that you need to pay?.

Whilst I am with the people that are against this car park charging there is simply no excuse that you can get away with.

If you take your cycle permit proof of purchase to the front reception you can get a parking permit valid to the end of March for £5.00. This is an agreemement between Gorrick and BFC to refund the cost of your cycle permit.

Scotty12
09/10/2012 at 09:33

I've not been up through the car park entrance yet (and probably never will) but I can assume that BFC have put signs up making it clear that there are parking charges to pay?

If not, then the fines won't stand up in court. If there are signs, then no sympathy. Sorry.

(For the record, I'm not supporting BFC, just common sense).

Br
09/10/2012 at 09:14

It is just like Sunday parking, they raise a lot more revenue from the fines than they do from sales.

This is the council ignoring its relationship with it's people and just grabbing money where it can.

Trouble is that they are complacent, they are not going to get voted out so they can do what they like.