Car parks at country parks in Warwickshire are set to reopen next week

Car parks at country parks in Warwickshire are set to reopen on Monday.

Some of Warwickshire County Council’s (WCC's) country parks – Kingsbury Water Park, Ryton Pools, Hartshill and Pooley – will be operating an online booking system for car park.

Car parks at other sites will also open on Monday, admitting vehicles on the usual basis.

A WCC spokesperson said: "Recognising the reduced facilities available at Kingsbury and Ryton 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 that 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 that people will be able to exercise more than the hour a day that was initially allocated when the lockdown was first announced, the council has worked to make sure that their country parks can be accessed while a safe social distance is maintained.

"Reopening car parks will mean that more people can visit the country parks and from further afield.

"Until now, it was only possible for those living near to the parks who could walk or cycle there to visit."

At the parks where online pre-booking is required, visitors are being asked to prebook a parking ticket before going to a country park via an Eventbrite booking at warwickshire.gov.uk/countryparksThe booking will need to be displayed through the closed window of the vehicle to parks' staff before being allowed to enter the site. There will be two slots – 9am-12pm and 1-4pm after which the car parks will be closed.

People are requested not to turn up to the site ad-hoc without pre-booking or a car park permit. They will not be able to gain entry.

Usual social distancing measures will apply and toilets and café facilities will not be open at this stage.

Cllr Heather Timms, portfolio holder for environment and heritage and culture, 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.”

Further information on Warwickshire’s country parks is available at www.warwickshire.gov.uk/countryparks