Why the Lake District could drop a congestion charge on summer visitors
The next English getaway where you could pay a tax to visit
- A leading policy voice for the north of England has suggested a congestion charge for the Lake District.
- Henri Murison, CEO of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, proposed the charge to improve the environment and enhance local bus services.
- The suggestion follows new data revealing a 14 per cent drop in overall visitors and an 18 per cent fall in day visitors to the Lake District in 2024 compared to 2019.
- Murison argued that funds raised could address underfunding in local government and provide better public transport options for visitors.
- He suggested a variable charge, targeting peak congestion times in summer, with free park and ride services offered as compensation.