Cameras installed at popular Peak District pub The Fox House near Sheffield after years of free parking
At times the car park is full but the pub is empty
A popular Peak District pub with a massive car park has installed cameras after years of being free.
The Fox House on Hathersage Road will hit non-customers with letters demanding £100 after “overuse of the car park” by those who don’t spend money.
The huge plot can take more than 100 vehicles and is packed at weekends by walkers, runners, cyclists and van enthusiasts who stay for long periods.
At times the car park is full but the pub is empty, a source said.
The pub is near the Longshaw National Trust estate and Burbage moors which are popular with Sheffielders.
Euro Car Parks has installed signs, a registration console near the bar and an ANPR camera.
A spokesperson for the Fox House said it was due to customers being unable to park.
Drivers who decide not to stay would get “around 15 minutes,” to leave, they added.
And pub staff would be able to help “challenge incorrect fines.”
The spokesperson said: "We have recently introduced a parking monitoring system at the Fox House due to the overuse of the car park by non-guests, meaning at times people intending to visit the Fox House couldn’t as the car park was already full.
"The new system asks guests visiting the pub to enter their car registration into a number of tablets inside the pub/restaurant, giving them free use of the car park when visiting.
"We’ve installed multiple signs inside the pub and across the car park informing guests of the new system. We’re also encouraging our team to make sure guests are fully aware of the new parking arrangements.
"There will be a grace period should guests enter and decide not to stay, which will be determined in the set up, usually around 15 minutes.
"The team onsite will be able to challenge incorrect fines, however don’t have any more input as the system will be managed by Euro Car Parks who manage a lot of the car parks in the local area."
Euro Car Parks signs state there is no parking for non-guests during the day. But motorists can park overnight - from 8pm-8am - for £20.
There is no concession for disabled badge holders. A Parking Charge Notice for £100 will be issued for breaking the terms and conditions, £60 if paid within 14 days.
Keep your finger on the pulse with our daily newsletter, covering breaking news stories and all of the biggest headlines from Sheffield and South Yorkshire
Euro Car Parks was contacted for comment.
Its website states “revenue generation is at the forefront of our business”.
And: “Euro Car Parks is passionate about increasing revenue on your car parks.”