New 24-hour parking charges are being introduced in the Lake District.
The national park authority has replaced its former all day 12-hour charge with the new day and night tariff – costing 50p extra – in a bid to ward off ‘rule breakers’ staying overnight in car parks.
Previously, the organisation’s car parks were free to park in between 6pm and 9am and while vehicles are able to be left overnight, people are not allowed to stay in the vehicle.
A LDNPA spokesman said: “This new charging regime helps both to enforce against those people who are breaking the rules and for example are staying overnight in car parks and encourage people to park for longer and travel sustainably around the park.”
Discussions were held with parish councils and local stakeholders about the changes and a request was put to the authority for a free off-peak parking permit for those who live in the Lake District.
The permits have now been made available to those living within the national park’s border and are issued to a nominated car registration and sent through the post.
A LDNPA spokesman added: “The new permits apply to people who live in the Lake District boundary and allow for off peak parking to continue to be free. Our local communities do a lot to help look after this special place and we were glad to help.”
