Poo, parking and poor pitching - the Lake District's summer battles
Protection orders are being used to try and control the issue, but funding is limited, councils say.
The Lake District, a popular summer destination for millions, is facing issues with irresponsible behavior from visitors. Enforcement officers and volunteers have witnessed irresponsible parking, inconsiderate camping, and even human waste during their patrols in the Coniston area. Judith Derbyshire, a councillor from Westmorland and Furness, mentioned the shocking discovery of a man using a bush as his toilet.
The surge in visitors without proper accommodation plans has led to fly-camping, which takes place away from designated camping sites without landowners' permission. Derbyshire emphasized that people should not park on lay-bys and set up tents near lake shores. Additionally, campers have been chopping down trees to build fires, causing environmental damage.
Westmorland and Furness Council, along with Cumberland Council, are responsible for enforcing Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle anti-social behavior. Despite only issuing eight tickets this summer, the authority aims to educate and engage with visitors rather than solely relying on enforcement. However, the council is facing budget cuts, limiting their ability to enforce PSPOs effectively.
Rob Lewis, a senior manager at Cumberland Council's highways department, acknowledged the need to explore higher parking fines to deter irresponsible behavior better. The council is in discussions with the British Parking Association and other authorities to consider higher charges. The problem of parking tickets being seen as a minor expense has led to some people sharing the cost, making it an acceptable part of the day out.
Lewis also highlighted the issue of cars parked in front of farm gates, passing places, and private fields, causing difficulties for emergency services and increasing traffic congestion. While the council has a team of officers focusing on the Lake District during busy times, restrictions for parking tickets may take up to a year to implement due to the lengthy consultation process.
The police have additional powers to address certain issues, such as obstructive vehicles. Derbyshire encourages people to report suspicious behavior and to work together with residents, visitors, and organizations like the National Trust to maintain the beauty and accessibility of the Lake District.
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