Illegal and bad parking in the Lake District is being targeted in a new trial.
A series of measures have been introduced into the Wasdale Valley, which can see its narrow roads so rammed with parked vehicles during peak periods, it can have a negative impact on the local farming community who struggle to go about their daily lives, slow down emergency vehicles, including Wasdale Mountain Rescue
Team, and threatens the health of the heritage site.
The National Trust, with partners including the Lake District National Park, Cumberland Council, local parish councils and Cumbria police, have put together the measures in a bid to clamp down on the problems.
The National Trust said: “Since Covid, the teams have seen an increase in inconsiderate parking, fly camping, fires, litter, and damage to the surrounding landscape
including protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and have been working together to find ways to better manage the situation.
“The Wasdale Valley is a particularly problematic area which, as the weather warms up, finds its narrow road rammed with illegally parked cars and fly campers trampling and lighting fires on the Greendale Mires SSSI along the edge of Wastwater.”
New interventions include:
- Boulders along the verge to prevent cars from parking on or driving onto Greendale Mires SSSI.
- Increased enforcement presence to ticket illegally parked vehicles and to move campers to dedicated campsites.
- Increased signs at strategic locations at the entrance to and along the valley.
- Free shuttle bus during busy periods.
The Wasdale shuttle bus service will be running from Ravenglass station via Muncaster Castle every weekend and bank holiday until September 15.
This year the bus is funded by the GDF Community Fund which means it is completely free.
Neil Thirkell, lead ranger at the National Trust, said: “These measures are needed to prevent damage to some really quite delicate and important areas – and we have to remember this is a working landscape.
“It would be appreciated if visitors could take the bus and remember to park sensibly while giving thought to the damage they may be causing.”
Steve Ratcliffe, the Lake District National Park Authority’s Director of Sustainable
Karl Melville, assistant director of highways and transport, added: “We want to welcome visitors to enjoy our beautiful part of the world, we have so many
outstanding areas in Cumberland such as the Wasdale Valley.
“To do so, it’s essential to act responsibly and this also includes parking, where we park and how we park. We would ask our visitors to park responsibility and adhere to all parking regulations and signs in the particular area they are visiting.
“When parked vehicles block pedestrian footways, it forces people onto the road, putting them at risk from oncoming traffic. Additionally, drivers might unintentionally block emergency vehicles, creating unnecessary delays for those in need of urgent assistance.
“We encourage visitors to use public transport to fully appreciate our wonderful scenery. If you must drive, please use one of the many car parks and keep the roads clear for safe access and use for others such as our large farming community.
“We would really appreciate everyone’s cooperation on this matter, by working together, we can improve the safety and convenience of our local communities, as well as helping you to have an enjoyable visit to Cumbria. Before you park, please think!”
