Lake District drivers urged to use 'common sense'

Parked cars were pictured snaking along the road at Gatesgarth on Easter Sunday

Visitors to the Lake District must use "common sense" amid fears parking issues could lead to "an accident or worse".

Dozens of cars partly blocked a narrow road at Gatesgarth, between Honister and Buttermere, over the Easter weekend, causing some bus services to be cancelled.

Nigel Dixon, who manages a nearby hotel, says guests and people living in the area often end up "stranded" when buses are not running.

Cumbria Police urged people to "park with consideration for others".

Mr Dixon says troubles occur "pretty much every bank holiday" and can be "a daily occurrence" during the summer.

"It's not the widest of roads," he explained. "Some people rely on the buses to get to and from work in the area. If they get taken off, they're not able to get home.

"I've also lost count of how many times I've had to pick guests up five miles away at Buttermere because the buses aren't running and they're stranded.

"What would happen if a fire engine or ambulance needed to get through? The big fear is that there's an accident or worse [and help can't reach them]."

Mr Dixon says Gatesgarth is far from the only place within the Lake District National Park experiencing parking issues, pointing to Ambleside and Stonethwaite among other areas.

"It seems to be once one person parks there everybody follows. I think sometimes people should just use their common sense.

"The only real answer [in the Lakes] is to let more farmers open up fields so people can park off the road.

"We've had that trialled in Borrowdale over the last couple of summer holidays. I don't think anybody wants to see Tarmac car parks everywhere."

'Unsustainable tourism'

Cumbria Police said "inconsiderate parking" could have "serious consequences" if emergency vehicles were delayed.

A spokesman added: "We would urge people to park with consideration for others and think about the potential impact that the placement of their vehicle could have."

The Friends of the Lake District conservation charity warns visitor numbers across the national park are becoming "unsustainable".

It is calling on local planners and the government to work towards reducing people's reliance on cars and argues a visitors' levy "could help fund a significant investment in integrated public transport systems".

"If things carry on like this, tourism to the Lake District will degrade the very landscape that people are coming to spend time in and destroy the beauty and tranquillity that are the reasons to visit," a spokesman said.

Labour-led Cumberland Council said it was looking to expand shuttle bus trials, with a service taking in Buttermere running every weekend and bank holiday from May to August.

Another focusing on Wasdale launched on Good Friday and will operate every weekend and bank holiday until 21 September.

The Lake District National Park Authority has been approached for comment.