Public outcry at Peak District congestion charge suggestion

A suggestion of introducing a congestion charge for Peak District motorists to alleviate traffic issues has received public outcry.

A potential congestion charge was debated alongside sustainable transport proposals at a meeting of the Peak District National Park Authority’s Programmes and Resources Committee last week. 

The news attracted plenty of comments from Glossop Chronicle readers on our Facebook page. 

Jill Crossland said: "The Peak District was set up to be enjoyed by everyone, not just for those who can afford it. Ridiculous suggestion." 

Alistair Beswick commented: "This would end up being charged to residents as well. It wouldn't improve public transport to a level where it was actually convenient or to use over a car and the only reason it would be cheaper would be the congestion charge, not because of concessions on public transport... Yet another idea that would adversely affect the least wealthy of us and price people out of experiencing and enjoying their own county."

Danny Seville said: "Some other charges target more polluting vehicles, this one looks like it will charge everyone. Does that mean if we live in the Peak District area, visitors to us from outside will need to pay to visit?" 

Kate Thorpe commented: "Awful idea. The fact that it’s more economical to transport a family by car instead of train or bus is a testament to the fact that public transport around the high peak is pretty appalling, and not currently a viable alternative. This charge wouldn’t mean families take public transport instead of a car. It would instead cut families off from visiting the Peak District altogether, decimating local businesses who depend on visitors, and denying people the natural beauty and benefits that a visit to the Peak District brings. I’m all for protecting the environment but this wouldn’t achieve that aim in my honest opinion. And surely we need to lower barriers to visit the Peak District, not raise them." 

During the meeting, transport policy planner Tim Nicholson said he thought it was likely there would be some kind of charge for vehicles in the future.

Green Party member Councillor Charlotte Farrell stated a charge was needed to recoup the costs of traffic in the park, suggesting the money could be put back into public transport to help those without cars.

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