Blue badge holders urged to apply for free parking permit

Blue badge holders are being urged to apply for their free parking permit ahead of parking charges being introduced at three Yorkshire Water reservoirs.

Parking charges are being introduced for visitors to Fewston, Swinsty and Thruscross reservoirs as part of a trial to fund vital improvements to the recreational sites.

Visitors who have a blue badge are being encouraged to register to receive an annual parking permit, which will allow them to continue visiting the reservoirs and park for free.

The charges will become effective week commencing 22 January 2024, and will use ANPR camera technology to monitor motorists who visit the reservoirs.

The charges will be reinvested across Yorkshire Water’s sites to deliver nature conservation, countryside management and improvement of facilities at reservoir sites. It is hoped the ANPR camera technology will deter antisocial behaviour and fly tipping, making sites safer and more enjoyable for all to visit.

The money will also contribute towards the first ever in-house Yorkshire Water ranger team, which includes nine area rangers who will be completing countryside management and biodiversity projects. They will also ensure visitors have a positive experience on site.

The proposed charges include:

• 1 hour - £1
• 2 hours - £2
• 6 hours - £3
• All day - £5
• Annual pass for all car parks - £30

A Yorkshire Water spokesperson said: “Our reservoirs are important not only to Yorkshire Water but to our local communities and visitors alike.

“We looked thoroughly into how people use our sites, and we believe a small parking fee and increased security will help to dissuade anti-social behaviour, such as fly-tipping, at our sites but also have a long-term positive impact in terms of the projects we can deliver in the future.

“We want to encourage our blue badge visitors to register and receive a permit. If you don’t have a permit, you will have to pay. It’s easy to apply and you can do so via our dedicated website.

“We’ve also collaborated with local authorities and stakeholders to ensure our visitors are aware of these changes prior to the charges going live, and we’re making it as easy as possible for people to pay, whether it’s via card payment on site, the Ring Go app or even by telephone.”

Bransby Wilson Parking Solutions have been selected to operate the parking meters. 

For blue badge holders, register on the website and complete the following form and once accepted, a permit will be issued which is valid for a year, exempting the registered vehicle from being liable to the charges.