CAR parks at country parks in Warwickshire have re-opened but drivers will need to book for some.
Ryton Pools, Kingsbury Water Park, Hartshill and Pooley will be operating an online booking system for car park. Car parks at other sites will admit vehicles on the usual basis.
Recognising the reduced facilities available at Ryton and Kingsbury and the anticipated shorter duration of stay, off peak rates will be charged at those two sites only. Normal charges apply elsewhere. Parking permit holders will not be required to make a booking at the parks where the system is operating. There will also be separate tickets for customers with disabilities, which have to be accompanied by a blue badge.
Following Government guidance allowing increased exercise, the council has worked to make sure their country parks can be accessed while a safe social distance is maintained.
At the parks where online pre-booking is required, visitors are asked to prebook a ticket before going to a country park via an Eventbrite booking at warwickshire.gov.uk/countryparks
The booking will need to be displayed through the closed window of the vehicle to parks staff before being allowed to enter the site.
County environment spokeswoman Coun Heather Timms said: “Reopening the car parks will allow more people to get out and about to our country parks than just those living within walking distance so we’re delighted to take this step towards resuming a more normal service.
“We are very aware that people need to look after their physical and mental well-being and our beautiful country parks can really contribute to both. But we have to ensure that they are used safely.
“Some of our parks usually receive very high visitor figures which we have had to be mindful of. Limiting the numbers of people using the car parks is the only way that we can maintain safe social distancing at these busy sites. I urge people to be sure to make a booking to avoid disappointment when they arrive at the parks.
“We know it is not the full service that we are so proud to offer but it is a really positive step towards the county coming back to something approaching normality. We will continue to work towards resuming a fuller service when it is safe to do so.”
Visit warwickshire.gov.uk/countryparks for further information.
Keith Williams
