YORKSHIRE Water says it will be bringing in parking charges at Thruscross, Swinsty and Fewston reservoirs, after getting the go-ahead from Harrogate Borough Council.

Earlier this year, the utility company announced it was planning to start charging people to park at the popular reservoir sites, which are all off the A59 between Skipton and Harrogate.

Its applications to Harrogate have now been approved, despite objections from the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, which said the number of signs, payment and automatic number plate recognition machines was inappropriate in the countryside. Darley and Menwith Parish Council also objected, saying people would start parking on roads.

It its submission to the council, Yorkshire Water describes the charging as 'trials' at the six car parks at Swinsty, Fewston, Thruscross and Langsett. It says the parking revenue will be reinvested into a new in-house ranger team aimed at keeping the sites clean, help towards the cost of nature conservation, and enhance the visitor experience.

It has now submitted plans to install signs at the entrances to the car parks including a warning that people who fail to comply with the parking charges face a penalty of £100.

A spokesperson for Yorkshire Water confirmed the schemes had been approved, that it was working on the plans and would keep its customers updated.

Charging will be by card payment at the sites, or by telephone. Emergency services and blue badge holders will be exempt from the charges which will be £1 for an hour, £2 for two hours, £3 for six hours, and £30 for an annual pass.