PLANS to create dog-free car parks in the New Forest, which sparked fury among dog owners, have been scrapped.

The New Forest National Park Authority (NPA) has also ditched proposals to close roads, impose road tolls and introduce tighter restrictions on recreational horse keeping.

The plans formed part of a draft management strategy that resulted in a storm of protest after it was unveiled last year.

However, they have been removed from the latest version of the document.

The NPA now says that tried and tested methods such as speed and weight restrictions should be used to tackle problems created by ever-increasing traffic.

The 66-page document also highlights the need protect tranquil parts of the Forest, screen industrial sites and provide more affordable housing.

Barrie Foley, the NPA's interim chief executive said: “The revised draft strongly reflects the comments received during the consultation so far.

“Following feedback and public engagement, not only the content but the whole tone, style, length and look of the revised draft has changed.”

Protest groups that fought the original strategy have given the new document a cautious welcome.

However, they are waiting to study detailed planning policies that will form part of a new core strategy due to be published in December.