DOUBLE Yellow Lines will be introduced on a number of Lakes roads in the Keswick and Portinscale areas - after 'mayhem' was caused last year due to inconsiderate parking.
The order will see the introduction of double yellow lines in various locations along
The restrictions have been in place from May, 23, ahead of the half term break, when congestion issues are most frequently reported.
The temporary order will be in place for 21 days initially - and will be extended to 18 months if the measures demonstrate a reduction in traffic issues and congestion.
The order is intended to improve traffic flow by prohibiting vehicles from parking on sections of the road and roadside verges.
This has created a number of problems in recent years, with bus services being cancelled and emergency service vehicles not being able to get through due to parked cars obstructing the carriageway.
The order will prohibit any vehicle to wait at any time, on any day and to load/unload at any time, on any day (including blue badge holders).
The council is working alongside local partners, including the Lake District National Park Authority, Cumbria Police, Stagecoach and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to promote alternative transport options, such as bus services and park and ride schemes.
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The order will be monitored closely throughout to understand the effectiveness of the measures.
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “There have been a number of issues on this busy route in recent years, and our first priority must be public safety and ensuring our road network is safe, reliable and accessible for local people and for tourists visiting this beautiful area.
“Working with local partners, it is vital that we are able to identify solutions that ensure the accessibility of bus services and emergency vehicles, as well as promoting sustainable travel by prohibiting vehicles from parking on roadsides and causing mayhem for other road users."
Emma Moody, Lead Strategy Adviser, Recreation and Sustainable Transport at the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “This is particularly important to ensure that buses and emergency vehicles are able to access the area. We are promoting a range of options for visitors accessing the area more sustainably, including using the Park and Sail initiative, cycling or walking and using the bus.
“At peak times this summer, there will be additional bus services to Cat Bells, supported by the Tactical Visitor Management Group.”
Rob Jones, Managing Director of Stagecoach Cumbria & North Lancashire said: “We are delighted to work with Cumbria County Council and the Lake District National Park Authority to improve traffic flow and access in the Cat Bells and Portinscale area.
“This will allow our scenic 77/77A services to run without unnecessary delay, making travelling by bus around the area and across the whole Lake District National Park a greener and more relaxing way to get around.”
Craig Drinkald, Area Manager, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Inconsiderate parking can cause unnecessary delays, and lost minutes really can mean the difference between life and death when we are responding to a serious incident. I am hopeful that these measures will help us to reach incidents more quickly by not being unnecessarily delayed.”
- Any queries regarding the restrictions can be raised via the Highways Hotline 0300 303 2992 or via the online reporting tool at cumbria.gov.uk Ends.
- Full details of the precise locations of the restrictions can be found on the county council website.
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