Number plate recognition will be put in an Epping Forest car park.

The debut of this system is an initiative by Epping Town Council to regulate parking at the overflowing Stonards Hill recreation ground.

The auto recognition facility will be installed in the main car park, and the additional one adjacent to the Jack Silley Pavilion by the end of April.

The council has always provided free parking in these areas.

With this innovation, parking shall remain complimentary for an initial three hour period, beyond which, charges will be levied hourly or daily.

The council anticipates this strategy will facilitate a steady flow of vehicles, ensuring the availability of slots throughout the day.

It is intended to stop individuals from monopolising limited space by parking and travelling elsewhere.

Arrangements and clear instructions shall be in place for those hiring the pavilion for longer durations.

The council shows firm dedication as the custodians of the Stonards Hill recreation ground and wants the multitude of facilities to be enjoyed by a greater number of people in line with its original intention when it was gifted by the Silley family to the Epping public.