Authorities in the Lake District are preparing a major crackdown on anti-social and environmentally damaging behaviour by visitors, with new on-the-spot fines set to be introduced. The move comes in response to mounting pressure on the cherished landscapes from the millions of tourists who flock there each year.
New Fines to Protect a National Treasure
Westmorland and Furness Council has confirmed it will implement Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in several key locations across the Lake District. These orders, expected to come into force in early 2026, will empower Cumbria Police to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of up to £100 for a range of offences.
The targeted behaviours include:
- Abandoning tents or 'fly-camping'
- Littering
- Using disposable barbecues
- Irresponsible alcohol use
Failure to pay the fine could result in prosecution and a court-imposed penalty of up to £1,000. The council's consultation in September last year showed overwhelming public backing, with 90 per cent of respondents supporting the measures.
The Scale of the Problem
The need for action is underscored by stark statistics. The Lake District, England's largest National Park, welcomes around 18 million visitors annually, with tourism contributing an estimated £2.3 billion to the local economy and supporting some 65,000 jobs.
However, this popularity has taken a severe toll. A survey by the Friends of the Lake District revealed that:
- 97 per cent of people encountered litter during their visit.
- 80 per cent witnessed barbecues or small fires in summer.
- 77 per cent saw evidence of illegal fly-camping.
Reports of scorched grass from barbecues, abandoned tents, and general waste have become increasingly common, threatening the very beauty that draws people to the fells, valleys, and lakes like Windermere and Buttermere.
Targeted Locations and Future Plans
The initial PSPOs will cover Askam, Dalton, Blea Tarn, Coniston East Shore, and Windermere West Shore (National Trust sites). A further consultation could see the scheme extended to an additional nine locations, including the popular Ullswater area.
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, cabinet member for Housing and Community Safety, emphasised that the goal is education and prevention. "Our goal is for everyone to enjoy Westmorland and Furness responsibly and to leave no trace, rather than issuing fines," she stated. "These orders are used to safeguard the places that matter to us all."
In a separate decision, a proposed PSPO requiring dogs to be kept on leads near public highways in the Eden area will not proceed.
This regulatory shift coincides with changing travel trends. Expedia's Unpack '26 report highlights the growing 'slow travel' movement, with 84% of travellers interested in farm stays—a shift towards more sustainable tourism that aligns with the Lake District's preservation goals.
