[W]ith just over two weeks to go until Appleby Horse Fair starts on 8 June 2017, the Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group (MASCG) of public agencies and Gypsy and Traveller representatives who work to make the annual gathering of Gypsies and Travellers safer each year, is appealing for drivers in Cumbria to be aware of more horse drawn vehicles in the county in the coming days.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Mark Pannone, Cumbria Constabulary’s Gold Commander for the Horse Fair, said: “We are committed to keeping the roads as safe as possible throughout the whole Fair. It is important for all road users to be aware of the large number of slow-moving horse-drawn vehicles that will be on the county’s roads during this time and to drive accordingly. For those travelling on horse-drawn vehicles, please make sure that you are visible to other road users particularly on the major routes.
“To increase the safety of road users we ask that those travelling to the Fair to work with us and plan their journey so they don’t arrive before 8 June and to use the temporary stopping places provided. For more information about temporary stopping places visit www.applebyfair.org”
Highways and Roads update for Appleby Horse Fair
During the Horse Fair – Appleby Town Centre
A road closure will be in place on the Sands Road in Appleby town centre from 9.30am-6pm on Friday 9, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June.
Flashing Lane – Long Marton Road leading onto Dufton
Cumbria County Council is continuing to work to improve public safety at the Flashing Lane, a part of Long Martin Road which is closed during the Fair (from 9.30am-6pm on Friday 9 June, Saturday 10 June and Sunday 11 June) to prevent the likelihood of conflict between horses and other traffic while the trotting (‘flashing’) of horses takes place.
The public are encouraged not to enter the Flashing Lane, especially the carriageway. However, for those who choose to do so, barriers are in place on the adjacent verge to provide some protection from flashing horses. Anyone who enters the Flashing Lane does so at their own risk and are advised to take extra care for their own safety and that of others.
Other Roads in and Around Appleby
Warning signs have been placed on all major routes approaching Appleby. Highways England variable message signs will display Horse Fair related warning messages to advise motorists to be aware of more horse drawn vehicles in the area.
An advisory 40mph speed restriction will be implemented on the A685 prior to the Bank Holiday in order to address road safety concerns that arise from the encampment that takes place along this road between Brough and Kirkby Stephen.
Public Transport service to Appleby Fair
The Settle to Carlisle Railway line is the best way to access Appleby Horse Fair by public transport.
For Northbound passengers you can access the line from Leeds, Skipton etc. The railway station closest to Appleby from the south is Kirkby Stephen.
- For Southbound passengers you can access the line from Carlisle, Armathwaite, Lazonby and Langwathby.
- For up to date information about the Settle to Carlisle line visit www.settle-carlisle.co.uk or call Northern Rail on 0800 200 6060
Car and Coach parking
For details of car and coach parking see the Traffic Management Map at www.applebyfair.org or contact Appleby Tourist Information Centre telephone: 017683 51177.
It is important that those visiting the Fair and those who live in the local area keep up to date with the latest information from the MASCG. You can do this by visiting www.applebyfair.org, or by following the MASCG or Cumbria Police on Facebook and Twitter.
