People are being urged to respect the Lake District over the bank holiday weekend.
Westmorland and Furness Council said it is expecting a very busy bank holiday weekend due to the forecast sunny and dry weather.
It added that it is asking visitors and locals alike to enjoy their weekend responsibly and to think about and respect local communities, services and the environment.
It also highlighted several areas of particular concern, including:
Parking
Drivers are being asked to consider the following while out during the weekend.
- When parking on back lanes and minor roads – do not block access for emergency services, buses and larger service vehicles such as bin wagons
- Don’t park irresponsibly or illegally. Double yellow lines and parking restrictions are there for a reason. Parking on double yellow lines can cause bottlenecks and disruption
- Don’t create ‘unofficial’ car parks on our public spaces, parks and playgrounds. It’s dangerous and can cause damage.
The council issued 39 parking fines for cars parked illegally on Glebe Road in Bowness last weekend alone.
It said that drivers should be aware the council will have extra patrols out targeting hotspot areas over the bank holiday.
Anti-social behaviour
The council said it is urging people to show respect to local communities, services and the environment.
It also asked people to do the following:
- Clean up after your dog and keep your dog on a lead in restricted areas – such as around children’s playgrounds
- Don’t fly-camp or park in unauthorised areas or on private land
- Don’t light fires or barbeques in restricted areas – such as public parks or children’s playgrounds
- Don’t consume alcohol irresponsibly or act in a way that may cause nuisance or annoyance
It also warned people that several areas of council land, such as parks and children’s playgrounds, are covered by Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) designed to prevent anti-social behaviour.
A spokesperson said: “Council officers will be patrolling over the bank holiday weekend encouraging responsible behaviour but if people ignore guidance our officers do have the power to issue fines to anyone breaching a PSPO.”
Litter
Bin emptying in busy areas will increase over the bank holiday weekend.
In hotspot areas, council teams empty litter bins multiple times a day and deploy street sweepers to keep the streets as clean and tidy as possible.
A spokesperson said: “There’s only so much we can do. We still need people to think of others and act responsibly.
“If a litter bin is full, or if no litter bin is readily available, please take your litter home with you or find another bin, please don’t dispose of your litter by just dropping it anywhere.
“This is a beautiful area – the reason you are visiting! – and we want to keep it that way.
“Irresponsible littering not only makes the place look untidy, it also damages the environment and wildlife. And someone else has the cost and inconvenience of clearing up after you.”
