Traffic and transport
Most of our 15.8 million visitors come to the Lake District by car - around 93 per cent according to the Cumbria Visitor Survey 2006. During school and bank holidays this can lead to traffic jams and problems with parking. This is bad for local residents, visitors and the environment.
Nationally, government is making traffic and transport a high priority. Recent reports have shown that an effective transport system is vital to the economy and in tackling climate change.
Traffic issues in the Lake District
- The Lake District is a large area with low population density making it difficult to run regular bus and train services.
- Local people depend on their cars to get to work, shops and schools.
- Maintaining rural roads is expensive due to high levels of use and the area's geography and climate.
- High levels of traffic and demand for parking during weekends and holidays creates problems in popular places.
- Parking on the roadside causes problems for traffic flow, wildlife and road maintenance.
- Some people don’t know how to use public transport or aren’t aware of services available.
