Parking and traffic restrictions considered for upcoming Appleby Fair

The world-famous event is the biggest Gypsy fair in Europe with thousands of people from the UK and beyond descending on the town, which only has a population of over 3,000, each year.

Described as a gathering and reunion of Gypsy families, the fair is well-known for the washing of the horses in the River Eden as well as its array of colourful traditional gypsy bowtop caravans.

Now, in preparation for the event, Westmorland and Furness Council are set to implement a raft of parking and traffic restrictions in the town to alleviate pressure on the highways during the event.

Strategies have been put forward in previous years but the council says that a number of new restrictions have been included this year, designed to ‘reduce conflict between vehicles, pedestrians and horses’, as well as improving emergency access.

One new measure would be the introduction of residents-only parking in Appleby and the neighbouring village of Burrells, according to a report on the council website.

The council explains the proposals: “Temporary restrictions introduced during previous Fairs significantly reduce the availability of on-street parking within residential areas, causing displacement onto unrestricted streets.

“Many of these streets become heavily congested, and Enforcement Officers are often unable to take action where no restrictions exist.

“In the nearby village of Burrells, early arrivals have historically caused inconsiderate parking, obstructing the carriageway and preventing residents from parking near their homes.”

The streets affected would be: Clifford Street, Bellevue Road, Pembroke Street, Chapel Street, Doomgate, Colby Lane in Appleby, and outside a row of terraced houses on the C3069 road in Burrells.

A ‘no waiting at any time’ restriction could also be brought in the village of Murton after the parish council ‘raised concerns about inappropriate parking on the village green’ in 2023.

Boroughgate, in Appleby, is said to informally operate as a one way system outside of the fair period but did not during the 2024 event so a one-way order has been put in place for the street.

A speed limit of 30mph is proposed to be extended to the outskirts of town as it becomes ‘heavily pedestrianised’ during the fair period.

Other measures include a 40mph speed limit on Powis Lane due to congestion, a temporary closure to vehicles outside the Midland pub as a holding area for horses and making the Appleby Library car park designated horse and sulky parking.

Estimated costs of these highways measures is not explicitly given, but the report says no new financial pressures are expected, and the cost last year was approximately £38,000.

The Eden Locality Board will consider the proposals at 6pm on Wednesday, April 15 at the Redhills Conference Centre in Penrith.