04
January
2017
|
15:01
Europe/London

Driver prosecuted for damaging gate and driving on Hampstead Heath

A man from Cazenove, Hackney has paid out over £200 for damaging a car park gate and driving on Hampstead Heath.

The City of London Corporation, which manages Hampstead Heath, prosecuted Pinkas Friedman under the Hampstead Heath bylaws on Wednesday 7 December.

Friedman was fined for forcibly opening the locked gate at the East Heath Car Park and driving onto the Heath after he found his car was locked into the car park after closing time.

He was charged a total of £225 including costs and a victim surcharge.

Car park closing times are displayed on site as are the contact details for the Heath Constabulary, who enforce bylaws and provide public assistance at the beauty spot.

Bob Warnock, the City of London Corporation’s Superintendent of Hampstead Heath said:

“Hampstead Heath is enjoyed by millions of visitors each year and our staff work incredibly hard to make sure it is maintained to a high standard.

“Sadly there are occasions when vandalism like this can impact on the enjoyment of others.

“Should a visitor find their vehicle locked in the car park, they should contact the Heath Constabulary on 020 8340 5260 who can provide assistance.”

Hampstead Heath is located 3.5 miles from Trafalgar Square and receives over 7 million visits a year. The City Corporation spends more than £5 million a year to maintain the Heath which includes a zoo, an athletics track, an education centre, extensive children's facilities, three swimming ponds and a Lido.

The City of London Corporation manages 11,000 acres of green space across London and south east England, including Hampstead Heath and Burnham Beeches, with many of its sites designated National nature Reserves and Sites of Special Scientific Interest for their unique ecology and rare plant species.

-Ends-

Notes to editors

Payout from Pinkas Friedman

Fine: £45.00

Costs: £150.00

Victim Surcharge: £30.00

Total: £225.00

Media enquiries

Carl Locsin, Media Officer, City of London Corporation

T 020 7332 3654 / M 07388 862 229

E carl.locsin@cityoflondon.gov.uk