Plans to introduce a four-hour parking limit for laybys on the A595 have been put forward.
Cumberland Council is proposing to restrict parking to four hours in 20 laybys on the A595 between Calder Bridge and Millom.
It said the restrictions would prevent the long-term and ‘often excessive’ periods of time for which vehicles are parked and allow more opportunity for other road users, including HGV drivers.
The council said the wait limit would be enforced by its enforcement officers ‘on a periodic basis as required’.
Any vehicles found to have overstayed the four-hour limit would receive a fine.
The proposal is part of the council’s review of the Traffic Regulation Order within Cleator Moor, Egremont, Millom and the surrounding area.
A Cumberland Council spokesman said: “The proposals have been put forward following concerns raised locally about vehicles being parked for long periods of time in some of these laybys, in some cases reportedly for the duration of a working day.
“The primary purpose of laybys on this stretch of road is to provide short‑term parking for passing traffic – for example, allowing drivers to take a break from driving, check their route, or deal with a vehicle issue.
“They are also frequently used by HGV drivers, who are legally required to take rest breaks after driving for set periods.
“When vehicles are parked in significant numbers for extended periods, this reduces the availability of laybys for short‑term use and can effectively turn them into informal long‑stay car parks, which is not their intended function.
“The proposed four‑hour limit is intended to strike a balance between allowing drivers sufficient time to rest or stop safely, while preventing long‑term occupation.”
The council added that it was currently running an informal consultation on the proposal.
The spokesman added: “At this stage, the proposals are being publicised as part of an informal consultation, which is currently open and runs until Friday April 17.
“Residents, road users, and other stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback during this period.
“Following this, a statutory consultation and formal advertisement would take place, during which formal representations either supporting or opposing the proposals can be made.
“A recommendation would then be presented to the council’s Highways and Transport Strategic Board later this year, where a final decision would be made.”
Feedback can be sent to the council via email to [email protected] quoting CMEMSA TRO Review and Proposal 26 – Various laybys A595 Calder Bridge to Millom.
The deadline for submitting comments is Friday April 17.
