NEW parking charges at a popular Teignbridge beauty spot have sparked criticism.

Charging has been introduced at the Mamhead car park by Forestry England which says the cash is needed to maintain the site.

But the area is popular with walkers and dog owners for its views.

County councillor Alan Connett has asked Forestry England about the new parking costs, pointing out there are concerns and also as the cheaper ‘local pass’ for Haldon Forest cannot be used at the Mamhead site.

Forestry England said the local membership had only been historically offered at the busiest recreation sites such as Walden where it has invested in of facilities and the local membership helps to cover the cost of maintaining and growing those facilities.

Local membership at Haldon currently costs £50 a year and is a cost-effective way to use the area.

Mamhead is one of a number of smaller car parks where charging is being introduced.

In a response to Cllr Connett, the Forestry Commission points out that the government provides less than 20 per cent of its funding.

It says the annual cost of running the car park and dog waste bins at Mamhead is £12,000.

The letter says: ‘Although the car park at Mamhead has always been free of charge, unfortunately this is no longer sustainable.

‘Introducing parking charges at Mamhead is part of a national Forestry England programme to ensure that we can continue to care for the nation’s forests now and for future generations.’

Money raised from car parking will be reinvested into the woodlands Forestry England cares for.

Mamhead was selected to trial a new solar-powered multi-network pay and display screen, with national members getting a window sticker.

Parking tickets and membership is monitored on foot at Mamhead where at Haldon, an ANPR system is in effect.

If the parking trial is successful, parking charges will remain permanently, with a view to installing ANPR in due course.