CAR parking charges in the New Forest have come into force - but some 50,000 motorists are still unprepared for the introduction of fees.

The district council has sold just 20,000 parking clocks - devices that can be placed on the dashboard to indicate the driver's time of arrival.

But most of the 70,000 clocks remain unsold - and time has now ran out for free parking.

Anyone without one of the £5 clocks will have to buy a parking ticket every time they use a pay-and-display car park.

Council chiefs are now facing a new year rush from motorists anxious to obtain a clock now that free parking has been abolished.

Officials are warning that anyone who attempts to flout the new system, brought into force last Friday, January 2, will be liable for a £40 fine.

Council leader Mel Kendal said: "Parking clocks are an economical and convenient way for New Forest residents to pay for their parking.

"It's also a fair and practical solution to parking problems in the district."

Charges were first introduced by the previous Liberal Democrat administration. The Tories scrapped the fees after gaining control of the council, but subsequently decided to introduce a revised scheme on traffic management grounds.

Motorists who buy a parking clock will be exempt for any further payment for the following 12 months.

However, car parks will be patrolled to enforce waiting limits and any violations such as exceeding the time limit, not setting the clock correctly, or resetting it after arrival will result in a fine.

Parking is free for motorcycles and anyone displaying a valid blue disabled parking badge.

Clocks are available from council information offices, the five recreation centres at Applemore, Lymington, Ringwood, New Milton and Totton, visitor information centres and by post.

Alternatively people can buy them online at www.nfdc.gov.uk/parkingclock, or by telephoning the car park hotline on 023 8028 5959.