Poll: Will you continue to visit Sandringham Estate after car parking charges are imposed?

West Norfolk residents have been sharing their thoughts on new plans to introduce car parking charges on the Sandringham Estate from February of next year, which were announced yesterday.

We want to know if you feel that these charges would affect whether you continue to visit the estate or not – have your say in our poll below.

The estate announced that next year, visitors will be charged £3 up to two hours, £5 up to four hours and £7 all day, but those who visit the museum, garden or house, or those who park for up to 20 minutes, will still be able to park for free.

Members of the public have been commenting on the changes on social media.

Michelle Hall said she visits Sandringham all year round and "loves the place", but she feels the charges are "disgusting" for the amount of time it would allow you to park.

She said she thinks the estate "will be hit bad" in summer 2020 because of the fees.

Bev Green said: "This is such a shame. Many folk will miss out because of these charges.

"We have always been able to share the 'Queen's garden'."

Others raised concerns that the fees will mean more people park on the grass verges, while some mentioned the effect on charities and day clubs which take their clients there.

But Janet Loveland said: "Well someone has to pay to keep the place and why not good old Joe public."

A spokesman for the Sandringham Estate said the charge will "assist with the increasing cost of maintaining existing facilities" and will "allow funding for future developments to improve the visitor experience".

The fees were announced as part of redevelopment plans for the estate, which will see improvements made to the car parks, including more disabled parking bays, as well as a "major makeover" to the Sandringham Café.

Anyone hoping to find out more can attend a drop-in session at the Visitor Centre at Sandringham on Thursday from 11am to 7pm, where members of the public can view plans and speak with representatives of the estate.

You can also email the estate office via visits@sandringhamestate.co.uk.