Lake District drivers urged to use 'common sense'
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."
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.
Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.
Dozens punished in a day for worst lakeside parking
Emergency service issues considerate parking plea
Charity says car parks would 'destroy' Lake District
Lake District National Park Authority
Friends of the Lake District
Cumberland Council
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Wildfire warnings issued in the Canary Islands as millions prepare to holiday there
As millions of holidaymakers prepare to head to the Canary Islands this summer, authorities have issued a wildfire pre-alert across the archipelago. The warning, announced by the General Directorate of Emergencies on Sunday, applies to tourist hotspots El Hierro, La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. It comes as the islands enter a high-risk fire period following the wet season, as hot, dry winds known as the 'calima' begin blowing in from the Sahara Desert. The risk of wildfire is nothing new for the Canary Islands. The volcanic terrain, Mediterranean climate and fire-adapted vegetation - plants that have evolved to thrive in fire-prone environments - make them susceptible to summer blazes, and scientists say wildfires are part of the archipelago's ecological rhythm. Some of the worst occurred in 2023, when forest fires ravaged Tenerife, destroying more than 15,000 hectares of land and forcing 12,000 people to evacuate. The blaze was later found to have been started by arsonists. This year, officials are urging tourists and locals alike to take extreme caution, warning against launching fireworks near forests and discarding cigarettes on dry ground. Related You'll need to book via app to visit these spectacular beaches in Sardinia this summer Greece boosts firefighter and drone numbers to tackle growing risk of wildfires But even as the fire warnings roll in, the Canaries' appeal shows no signs of slowing down. In 2024, the islands welcomed nearly 18 million tourists, including a record-breaking 15.5 million international arrivals. Among them, British travellers led the way, recording 6.3 million visits – up 500,000 from 2023. While the Canary Islands continue to attract record numbers of tourists, residents are increasingly voicing concerns about overtourism. In April 2024, tens of thousands of islanders participated in protests, holding signs that read 'the Canary Islands have a limit' while rallying against rising housing costs, environmental damage and the strain on public services. Over Easter this year, about 80,000 hospitality workers in Tenerife, La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro walked out in a dispute with unions over pay. The surge in short-term rentals has been especially contentious. Locals have reported getting priced out of their neighbourhoods as properties are converted into holiday lets, the cost of living soars and wages stagnate. Despite these concerns, tourism remains a significant part of the Canary Islands' economy, accounting for approximately 35 per cent of its GDP. After welcoming seven million tourists in 2024, Tenerife remains the most visited island. Its year-round sunshine and wide beaches keep it a firm favourite among families, especially during the UK's summer school break and throughout the winter months. Related Svalbard, Chios, El Hierro: How these European islands have successfully avoided overtourism Is it safe to travel to Lanzarote? Latest advice after Storm Olivier sweeps through Canary Islands As the peak summer season picks up, local tourism boards have made no indication that the fire pre-alerts will disrupt travel plans. But authorities remain focused on prevention this year. More than 2,000 firefighters are on standby. Meanwhile, the government has distributed detailed safety advice, urging people to prepare a go-bag, stay informed and follow emergency evacuation or shelter-in-place instructions if fires erupt.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Gatwick Airport baggage handler dispute resolved
A dispute between Gatwick Airport baggage handlers and their bosses which resulted in industrial action in April has been resolved. More than 100 baggage handlers, check-in and flight dispatching staff from Red Handling had gone on strike for four days across Easter in a row over pensions and working conditions. Strike action on 18 and 25 May and 1 June was suspended because of the negotiations, which have now concluded. A spokesperson for Gatwick Airport said they were pleased an agreement had been reached. The Red Handling workers, who are members of the Unite union, said the dispute was over "long-standing issues" with pensions, including having contributions not paid and plans not set up. Staff had also complained of being overworked and not having proper breaks between shifts, but had since agreed on new working terms which included receiving overtime pay and having guarantees about time off, Unite said. Ben Davis, the union's regional officer, said: "The situation with pensions, late wages and a lack of breaks was taking a big toll on our members and they are glad this has now been resolved." Red Handling has been contacted for a comment. Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Gatwick downplays effect of Easter strikes EasyJet to run full service despite Gatwick strike Gatwick strike called off but disruption looms Gatwick Airport Unite the Union Red Handling
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Yahoo
Jessica Alba Planning Family Trip With Cash Warren Following Divorce: ‘Conscious Uncoupling'
Jessica Alba and Cash Warren are keeping things civil in the wake of their divorce, as evidenced by their cozy family get together over Easter, and a source exclusively tells Life & Style that they're looking to follow up with cozy getaways in the months ahead – much to the relief of their three young kids. 'As much as Jessica is embracing change for herself, she's still very concerned about maintaining as much of the status quo for her kids as she can. Doing holidays with Cash feels like an important tradition to try to maintain,' Life & Style's insider explains. 'Hayes is only 7, he wants both his parents there when he does his Easter egg hunt. Honor and Haven are teenagers but it's still important for Jess that they feel they have some semblance of a family.' To maintain their family bond, the Honey actress, 44, 'wants them all to take a family trip together somewhere.' Of course, the dynamic would look different than before. The insider shares that the family 'can rent a villa so they can have separate rooms, she's got no designs on getting back together, this is really for the kids more than anything.' 'She's following Gwyneth [Paltrow's] advice on conscious uncoupling and a family trip is something she and Chris did after their divorce that was very healing,' the source continues. 'Jessica loves what Gwyneth has created with Chris [Martin] and would love to have that with Cash. They are best friends, she doesn't see why they need to totally chuck out their relationship, it just needs to transform into something new.' Jessica and Cash, 46, separated in December 2024 and both parties filed for divorce two months later. Despite pulling the plug on their 16-year marriage, the former couple have maintained a united front for the kids. The family matriarch shared photos of their lovely Easter celebration on April 20, which included a precious family snapshot and other pictures of their petting zoo and Easter egg hunt. While closing one door on her marriage with Cash, Jessica is ready to 'have some fun' on the market. 'This has been over between Cash and Jessica in a romance sense for a long time. She even said it straight up – they became like roommates,' a second insider exclusively told Life & Style in a story published on March 13. 'Things have wrapped up with no ugliness, so that's not weighing her down. As far as divorces go, it's going smoothly.' The second source also noted that Jessica's public presence 'will be to socialize and network, but also to meet quality guys.' 'No doubt plenty of high-profile men will use the classic Hollywood way and have their managers reach out to her team and go that route, and she will be open to that,' the second insider continued. 'She's not ruling out dating a regular guy, but she's taking her friends' advice and plans to try dating someone at her level of celebrity. They're all telling her that it will be a better power balance and rule out some of the issues she had with Cash.' Two months later, the Fantastic Four star was spotted with a mystery man in London. Jessica was captured on camera as she got a massage from the man, who was covered up in a hoodie and baseball cap.
