A raft of solutions to help cure congestion problems plaguing a road through a North Lakes valley are to be presented to a group set up to manage visitors during the pandemic.
This summer there have been some frustratingly long traffic queues along the B5289 through Borrowdale with vehicles reported inching along the road in a slow-moving line.
At the latest Borrowdale Parish Council meeting, Cllr Freda Chapman sought councillors’ opinions and suggestions on reducing the amount of traffic on roads in the valley and preventing fly parking.
Among the suggestions was one to remove the Rosthwaite bus stop on the Keswick bound side of the road further towards Grange to prevent congestion forming in and near to the Narrows.
Councillors were of the opinion that motorists obey ‘no parking’ signs and it was felt more of these could be installed on the area opposite Big Wood and Falcon Crag and there should be more signs indicating where parking is acceptable.
The issue of pedestrians walking on the carriageway was raised as a problem and it was agreed that the hardened verges and pavements be cleared of weeds so that people can walk on them.
It was also noted that the hardened verges are a health and safety hazard due to the surfacing. Councillors agreed signs should also be placed on footpaths encouraging people off the carriageway.
Councillors are also calling on the vegetation to be cut back on the sides of the road so the entire carriageway width can be used by vehicles. And there was a call for a traffic counter on the exit to Keswick and a ‘warning sign’ showing information about tailbacks.
It was noted that the Keswick Convention temporary crossing point near the Co-op caused significant negative impacts on the valley with long tailbacks reported on the B5289 during the three weeks the event was running.
Corporate users of the road such as bus and delivery companies and emergency service organisations are also to be consulted to seek their opinion on what improvements can be made to ease congestion.
Concerns are to be raised with the LDNPA’s Tactical Visitor Management Group – set up in response to the challenges of the pandemic – and ask to work with them to develop some proactive solutions.
