READERS have responded to a debate among Keswick councillors over the idea to charge motor vehicles entering the Lake District.

The council is going ahead with a feasibility study to determine certain aspects of the possible arrangement.

They voted 9-3 at their most recent meeting last week to support a motion to ask Cumbria County Council for the first time to officially look into charging motorists who visit the national park.

The motion would provide a boost in health to Lake District’s environment with the reduction of traffic, it would also provide new income which could be used to improve public transport services.

However councillor Steve Harwood, said: “I think it is totally wrong.

“We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy everything the national park has to offer and I think it is right that the opportunity should be available to everyone.”

“I believe visitors would reluctantly pay a sustainability charge but it would be the end of ‘Welcome to the Lake District’ — or worse it would push the problem elsewhere and they would go to the Yorkshire Dales for free,” Cllr Harwood concluded.

Cllr David Burn said it was not the only organisation thinking along the lines of introducing a fee for visiting motorists, which would not have to be paid by local residents or workers.

Our reader’s have many thoughts on the subject.

First of all, Sharon Carr Ball, said: “I don’t think they will charge for driving through but definitely something needs to be sorted out. Especially the parking because people park where they like. I work at Buttermere and it is ridiculous in Summer.”

Claire M. Wallbanks, said: “Something needs to done. It’s getting too congested.”

Janet Reeves, explained: “I think this could potentially destroy Cumbria Tourism in the lakes - people might just go elsewhere.”

Beverly Hope thought it was a good idea: “Given the state that some places have been left recently with all this rubbish, it’s not a bad idea.”