AMBITIONS to make transport more sustainable in the Lake District National Park remain in doubt as discussions take place about a potential Mayor of Cumbria.
Members of the Lake District National Park Authority are set to hold their latest Resources Committee on Wednesday November 19.
The committee will hear updates on the work towards seven priorities of the park authority, including sustainable travel and transport.
READ MORE: Plans refused for 150 space car park in Lake District, despite '20-year-old problems'
Milestones set for the 2025/26 financial year under this priority include:
- Considering "sustainable travel interventions" in the Borrowdale and Buttermere Valleys.
- Working with partners such as Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council on an integrated transport strategy for the whole park, with "specific valley based approaches."
- Considering sustainable funding opportunities for sustainable travel "particularly public transport improvements."
A traffic light system in the report indicates the level of risk that each priority cannot be achieved.
And members will hear that the Sustainable Travel and Transport priority is currently amber.
READ MORE: Lake District could see 10 per cent vehicle reduction
The report reads: "The status remains amber because of the risk to establishing and delivering an integrated transport strategy.
"The risk to delivery this year is due to the Unitary Authorities’ focus on the Mayoral Combined Authority discussions, with a lack of new guidance for Local Transport Plan production.
"There is a risk to securing collaboration with the Unitary Councils to deliver this milestone. A proposal to revise and move the milestone to 2026/27 was not agreed by members at September’s Resources Committee."
Parking in Borrowdale and Buttermere was identified as a priority issue for Cumbria Police during the summer months as parking on the roadside is causing an obstruction to drivers, service buses and emergency services.
READ MORE: Devolution for Cumbria step closer after council meetings
Cumberland Council and Westmorland & Furness Council both consented to the creation of a Cumbria Combined Authority last month.
The plan, set out by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, is designed to hand down greater powers of decision-making from Whitehall to local leaders.
Cumbria Combined Authority is set to be established early next year with responsibility for big picture decision-making, such as the development of transport plans and addressing climate change.
Elections in May 2027 will then appoint a Mayor of Cumbria who will lead on matters such as economic growth and represent the county on the national stage.
A Mayor Investment Fund would be available to the successful candidate, with £333 million of spending power over 30 years.
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