Friends of the Lake District has worked to reduce the negative impacts of transport and travel on the landscapes of the Lake District and Cumbria, and to maintain and enhance the distinctive character of its roads. We believe that the best way of achieving this is to develop ways for people and goods to move around that are truly sustainable - good for communities and visitors, good for the landscape and environment and therefore good for economic vitality.

Distinctiveness of Cumbria’s roads
The Rural Roads Character project aimed to make sure that the distinctiveness and character of county’s roads are maintained and enhanced. This includes de-cluttering and de-urbanising roads in the countryside by removing unnecessary road signs and street furniture, keeping locally distinctive features and slowing down traffic.
The project worked with policy makers, engineers and local communities to make sure that the value of the road’s character is protected.

Getting around
It’s fairly easy to get around the county, but with 92% of visitors arriving by car, easy access too often translates to heavy traffic, congested car parks and the drone of traffic noise. This dependence on cars results in fewer people using public transport and the increase in traffic on roads makes them less attractive for walking and cycling. This means that visitors and residents who don’t have access to a car - or want to leave their car behind - often have few options.

Supporting sustainable transport
We have previously supported two bus services – the 208 Keswick – Glenridding “Ullswater Connexion” and the 519 “Kentmere Rambler”, but have been unable to continue with the level of subsidy which was required. We supported schemes like 'Give the Driver a Break' and the Staveley Green Travel Initiative (GTi), which seek to encourage greater use of alternatives to the private car.

Having an influence
We will work selectively with local authorities, parish councils, local communities and other interested groups to influence transport policy and planning at the approppriate level.

Click here for responses that we have made to recent transport policy and planning consultations.