Julian Lewis, Conservative MP for New Forest East, wants the full-scale roll out of the scheme next month to be replaced by a pilot project.
In a letter to Forestry England, he said the new charges would lead to a sharp rise in the number of people parking on roads or verges.
He added: “We previously discussed the impact of painting white or yellow lines along New Forest roads as if they were part of an urban environment.
“It now seems this is the least of our worries, given the excavation of ditches designed to prevent cars parking on the verges. I have seen some of these near Bolton’s Bench and found them deeply unattractive.”
Charge are due to be introduced at 129 car parks in the New Forest in April 2026 (Image: Newsquest)
Sir Julian said people prevented from using verges would leave their vehicles on roads instead.
“I understand that enforcement against this will fall upon Hampshire County Council rather than Forestry England – or the successor to that council if local government reorganisation goes ahead.
“We all know the county council is extremely strapped for cash. Do you think they are going to be able effectively to monitor and enforce penalties?
“Thus we face the prospect of the Forest landscape being littered with – and spoilt by – vehicles parked on the roads.”
READ MORE: Leaflets explaining new parking charges in the New Forest are being delivered to thousands of homes
Sir Julian warned that “rogue” drivers would also target narrow access routes, plus courtesy parking areas provided by shops and other businesses.
“What this boils down to is a combination of scenic degradation, inconvenience to to residents, and damage to traders.”
Leaflets describing the new charging system are landing on doormats across the New Forest (Image: Newsquest)
Sir Julian also warned that ditches could result in free-roaming animals becoming “trapped” on roads, increasing the risk of accidents.
He added: “You should at least try out a pilot scheme before committing the entirety of the Crown lands to this problematic scheme.”
A Forestry England spokesperson said: “Due to concerns regarding displacement parking, the scheme is required to be rolled out at all car parks at the same time.
“To comply with this legal requirement, and consent for the scheme by Natural England, we are not able to phase or pilot the scheme.”
Prices will start at £1.50 for an hour, rising to £8 for more than four hours.