Whinlatter is a free car park. I have a friend who lives there, the car parks are paid for via their council tax. This was agreed when the centre was opened. The charge at the centre is voluntary, you do not have to pay. Occasionaly you may get what appears to be a fine on your windscreen, it isn’t. It is a reminder that you could have paid.
When he visits he never pays, as he already has via his council tax. I was quite shocked when I heard this, but I pay the minimum when I visit, that way the centre gets something.