New powers to tackle fires in New Forest
It's to try to reduce devastating wildfires
Last updated 5th Apr 2023
People who start open fires and barbecues in the New Forest this summer could face fines of a up to ÂŁ1,000.
The district council's voted to implement the new powers from July to help protect the forest habitat.
The Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) also include a ban on the feeding and petting of Forest animals.
The consultation, carried out in December 2022 to January 2023, found that more than 90% agreed to the introduction of PSPOs.
PSPOs, if used proportionately and in the right circumstances, allow NFDC and their partners to counter unreasonable and persistent behaviour as they grant stronger enforcement powers and the ability to issue fixed penalties for breaches.
Although the vast majority of people enjoying the Forest do so with due regard to the New Forest Code, by making these PSPOs, New Forest District Council (NFDC) expect a reduction in anti-social behaviour associated with wildfires and barbecues on the Forest, and the feeding and petting of Forest animals, all of which are detrimental to the local community.
We're told formal enforcement will be used proportionately, and there will be information issued about these new restrictions and clear signage will be in place.
Anyone breaching the terms of the PSPOs, without reasonable excuse, will be committing a criminal offence, punishable by prosecution with a maximum fine of ÂŁ1000, or by the issue of a Fixed Penalty Notice, with a maximum penalty of ÂŁ100.
The PSPOs are expected to come in to force on 1 July 2023.
NFDC and its partners will continue to work together both in readiness for the PSPOs to come into force and afterward to raise awareness and support the enforcement.