Lake District Congestion Charging

[Giant Stoneater]

Re parking charges-Universities in Scotland charge employees for parking spaces and this goes to the universities,with the government proposals the universities will lose this money and the money goes to councils and once again education is hit with a shortfall of money.

[Paul Webster]

MODERATION NOTE: This topic is starting to drift away from the outdoors into wider political issues. Especially given there is an election on, can we keep further posts strictly to topics directly relevant to the Scottish outdoors (which includes parking and access for walks)

[goth_angel]

I go to the Lake District a lot since for various reasons I had to pretty much give up Munro bagging. I find the public transport generally to be pretty good and use it a lot - but there are certain areas particularly the Western lake district which are very difficult to access without a car.

I agree the car parking can be expensive - though generally less so than the current charges at Arrochar - and there is free parking if you know where to look. I would be against the idea of a congestion charge - I don't think it would work, and would stop people going there at busy times of the year (though I guess that might be the intention).

Personally, I think that if there were some additional bus services even just at weekends that cover the more isolated areas they would get used and would ease congestion. For instance a minibus service to Wasdale Head - I'd definitely use that, and if they can run a minibus over Honister Pass and through Buttermere it would be logistically possible.

Seathwaite needs a car park of some sort as the parking situation there is ridiculous.

[crfishwick]

The lakes. Parrking charges have been a RIP off since the 1980's
As for congestion charges. Hopefully it will be in place. Then I may return.