DARTMOOR National Park Authority officials have this week said no decisions have been taken on extending car parking charges with 'knock-on' effects, meaning the idea might not be viable.

Regional press reports at the weekend suggested pay and display machines might soon be popping up across the moor as the authority struggles to cope with reducing grant settlements from the Government.

The cash received from Defra since 2010 has fallen by almost 30 percent, leaving an annual funding gap of more than £1.4-million, possibly in 2015/16 as the settlement has yet to be confirmed.

With the pressure on officials have started to consider a range of options, including new fees.

Currently only drivers using the central Princetown car park are obliged to pay although voluntary donation 'cairns' are located at Postbridge, Haytor, Meldon, Dartmeet and Newbridge.

Andrew Watson, the authority's head of access and recreation, said: 'We are looking at a number of ways to increase revenue and car parking charges are something the government has been encouraging national parks to consider.

'We invite donations at a number of sites and in 2013 introduced pay and display at Princetown. We are thinking about doing the same at Postbridge.

'But no decisions have been made and we need to consider the knock-on effects, such as people parking elsewhere, to avoid charges and us having to patrol that.

'There are also costs associated with maintaining equipment.

'One option is to increase people's awareness of what happens to the money they donate in the cairns, money which is spent entirely on conservation projects, not paper clips for the office.

'For the past three years we've also run our Pound for the Park scheme in which organisers of major events have been asked to pass over a pound or two from entrance fees.

'That's raised £15,000 and is something we'll look to promote more in the future.'