Nottingham Forest fans could face new parking fines as unexpected consequence of City Ground revamp

Nottingham Forest supporters could soon face much stricter parking rules around the City Ground as part of the club's ambitious redevelopment plans.

Fresh proposals would introduce a wide Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) covering thousands of residential spaces on matchdays.

Forest fans parking on residential streets near City Ground could be fined

Nottingham Forest's plans to expand the City Ground could bring an unexpected change for supporters travelling by car, with a new CPZ proposed across the surrounding area.

Planning documents submitted as part of the club's redevelopment proposals show restrictions could cover around 4,800 on-street parking spaces within a 1.2-mile radius of the stadium, meaning fans parking on residential streets without permission could face fines, as per the Nottingham Post.

The proposed zone would stretch across Lady Bay and much of West Bridgford, with restrictions potentially operating from four hours before kick-off until four hours afterwards.

Rushcliffe Borough Council would be responsible for enforcing the scheme, while Forest would contribute towards its implementation alongside Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council.

The plans form part of the club's wider transport strategy as it looks to increase the City Ground's capacity from around 31,000 to 52,000.

Forest say the aim is to reduce private car use, encourage supporters to travel by public transport and improve safety around the stadium on matchdays.

The proposals also include ending agreements with some existing off-site matchday car parks and introducing electronic road signs warning motorists of congestion, with the club hoping to create a more sustainable travel model as attendances increase.

FGG says: Bigger stadiums require smarter transport planning

As the City Ground grows, changes to matchday transport are inevitable, and protecting residential streets from heavy parking demand is a challenge many clubs face as their stadiums expand.

However, if Forest fans are expected to leave the car at home, there will need to be reliable alternatives in place.

Better public transport and park-and-ride options will be just as important as any new parking restrictions if the plans are to win over fans.

While the proposals may frustrate some supporters who regularly drive to games, they reflect the reality that a significantly larger City Ground will require a very different approach to managing matchday traffic.