New Peak District red routes raise £4,600 in fines

Red routes introduced at a popular Peak District destination to combat inconsiderate parking have brought in more than £4,500 from penalty charge notices.

Derbyshire County Council introduced red routes and new double yellow lines covering the Castleton and Mam Tor area in May in response to parking issues caused by high numbers of visitors.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said since the red routes were introduced 161 penalty charge notices had been issued, resulting in fines totalling £4,600.

Charlotte Hill, the county council's cabinet member for highways, said the authority believed the enforcement was helping to address some of the "congestion challenges experienced" in Castleton.

The double red lines - which mean no stopping at any time - were the first to be introduced in the county, with drivers facing a fine of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days.

Hill added: "While enforcement forms part of the scheme, our main aim has always been to encourage safer and more considerate parking.

"We believe the red routes are helping to address some of the parking and congestion challenges experienced in Castleton, but we recognise it is important to keep listening to residents, businesses and visitors.

"We will continue to monitor the scheme closely, including any impact it may have on surrounding roads and whether parking is being displaced to other locations."

When asked whether the authority would consider adopting red routes elsewhere in the county, Hill said there were "no definitive plans", but it was "something we may consider for other areas facing similar challenges in the future".

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