RESIDENTS in the Lakes are worried bad parking will only get worse over the next few weeks, according to a parish council.

Cumbria Police recently issued a warning to drivers after the A591 in Ambleside at Waterhead, near to Jenkins Field was ‘obstructed’ by cars parked on solid white lines.

Read more: Police issue warning after cars ‘obstruct’ main road in Lakes town

And following several incidents and concerns raised due to ‘severe congestion and inconsiderate parking’, Cumbria County Council introduced an emergency temporary traffic regulation order in locations across South Lakeland.

The order prohibits any vehicle to wait at any time, on any day and to load / unload at any time, on any day (including blue badge holders), starting from Monday, August 1, as follows:

  • Great Langdale, both sides of the U5527, from its junction with the B5343 to a point in a southerly direction to the cattle grid near Wall End Farm, approximately 640m.
  • Great Langdale, both sides of the U5528, from its junction with the B5343 to a point 60m in a northerly direction.
  • Great Langdale, north side of the B5343, from its junction with the U5527 to the eastern side of Stickle Ghyll Bridge.
  • Great Langdale, south side of the B5343, from its junction with the U5527 to the eastern side of Rossett New Bridge.
  • Great Langdale, south side of the B5343, from a point approx. 52m from the eastern side of Rossett New Bridge to the eastern side of Stickle Ghyll Bridge.
  • Elterwater, both sides of the B5343, from a point approximately 120m east of its junction with the U5525 for a length of 55m in an easterly direction.
  • Ambleside, both sides of the A591, from a point 284m south of its junction with Borrans Road for a length of approximately 435m in a south easterly direction.

Read more: Council unveils plan to tackle congestion 'mayhem' in Lake District

Clerk for Lakes Parish Council, Charlene Iredale, said the council welcomed the county council’s move.

“The council welcomes the road restrictions as bad parking has a major negative impact on local residents who are going about their daily business and prohibits the free movement of emergency vehicles and buses,” she said.

“With visitor numbers rapidly increasing, local residents are worried that things might get worse over the next few weeks during the school holidays.

“Will it work? We hope so. Will it suit everyone? Absolutely not.”

Councillor Keith Little, Cumbria County Council’s Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said he hoped the measures would help prevent ‘mayhem’ for other road users.

“There have been a number of issues on these routes 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,” he said.

“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.

“I am hopeful that these measures will result in a much-improved travel experience, whilst ensuring access for emergency vehicles and so that important bus services are able to run on time, and without obstruction.”