New traffic measures will be introduced to help keep people safe and reduce congestion for this year’s Appleby Horse Fair.
The Multi Agency Strategic Co-ordinating Group has announced a series of changes to the traffic management plan for the 2026 fair.
It said the new rules build on lessons learned from previous years.
It includes the permanent adoption of several successful temporary measures introduced in recent years, alongside new resident-only parking controls, enhanced enforcement powers and revised traffic management arrangements across Appleby, Burrells and surrounding routes.
Key changes for 2026 include the formalisation of parking restrictions at Murton village green and Church Brough and the introduction of resident permit parking areas on a trial basis.
Temporary measures facilitating horse tethering and sulky parking at Appleby Library car park will be in place again for the 2026 fair, with Blue Badge parking provision maintained on some bays at the library from Thursday to Sunday during the fair.
A number of safety-led measures have also been introduced following operational reviews carried out after last year.
Jubilee Ford will be closed throughout the event due to significant erosion on the southern edge of the crossing, which has created a substantial drop into the river.
Physical barriers and warning signs will be installed to prevent access, and anyone travelling from the Burrells direction will need to use alternative routes into Appleby. However, pedestrian access is still possible using the footbridge.
A joint post-fair review undertaken with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria police has resulted in changes to verge protection and post arrangements for 2026.
Following a successful trial last year and a full review, posts will be removed from agreed tolerate in situ locations and adjustments to post spacing at some junctions have been made to improve visibility and enhance road safety for all road users.
The tighter post spacings introduced at Rising Sun Corner in 2025 will remain in place following positive feedback and operational success, the group said.
Claire Notman, the group’s chair and Westmorland Furness Council’s senior manager for communities, said: “Safety is the priority for all the agencies involved in the group.
“To reflect this, enhanced enforcement action will be in place throughout the fair to support the safe movement of traffic and pedestrians.
“Vehicles parked within resident permit areas without displaying a valid permit will be issued with penalty charge notices, while enforcement action will also be taken against vehicles parked in restricted locations, particularly where obstruction or safety concerns arise.
“We’d also like to remind motorists not to park on or near junctions, including grass verges, as this can significantly reduce visibility and restrict access for emergency vehicles, residents and pedestrians.”
All other core traffic measures, including temporary speed limits, pedestrian protection, one-way systems and encampment prevention arrangements, will remain broadly consistent with those implemented during the 2025 fair.
