CHARGES at Frensham Great Pond car park are to be brought into line with the National Trust car park charging at Little Pond.

But visitors to the site will no longer be able to pay in cash – with tickets available only via the telephone service RingGo.

Parking fees were temporarily suspended at Great Pond in March and reintroduced on Saturday, July 18, with the new tariff to come into place this Saturday (August 1).

Waverley Borough Council, which manages the site on behalf of the National Trust, says the new RingGo system will “ensure visitors will have no contact with machines”.

But it means those without a mobile phone or a bank card face being turned away from the site.

Waverley has, however, indicated visitors can book parking in advance, by calling 01483 342266 with location number 16258.

Car parking charges will now be in force every day except Christmas Day from 9am to 7pm. The charges will be £1.50 for up to one hour, £3 for up to two hours, £4 for up to four hours and £6 for all-day parking.

Councillor Nick Palmer, Waverley Borough Council Portfolio Holder for Operational and Enforcement Services, said: “Historically, we have always charged for car parking at Frensham Great Pond, however these new changes will bring us in line with the charges at the National Trust managed Frensham Little Pond and will ensure a consistent approach to visitor parking.

"By changing to RingGo payment only, we are also reducing the risk from coronavirus as visitors will have no contact with machines; of course, we will also continue to advise people to maintain social distancing whether in the car park or elsewhere on site.

“Whilst it was only right to suspend charging during lockdown, visitor numbers have increased dramatically at Frensham over recent months and we hope the new parking tariff will also help us recoup some of the costs needed to maintain the site and its wildlife to a high standard.”

New signage will be installed in car parks and Waverley Borough Council has also reminded users of how important it is to continue to follow social distancing when getting in and out of vehicles or moving around the car park.