An urgent meeting has been demanded to tackle the issues caused by “unmanaged tourism” and parking chaos at a popular Peak District beauty spot, with locals voicing their frustration.

Rampant parking problems have plagued Winnats Pass and Rushup Edge near Buxton in Derbyshire, sparking anger among residents who’ve branded the situation as “ridiculous” and “persistent”. With police having to intervene multiple times recently to address badly parked cars, tensions have flared.

Back in January, community tensions reached boiling point when 200 parked vehicles obstructed gritting lorries and emergency services. The next weekend saw another onslaught of visitors, carelessly leaving their vehicles even on double-yellow lines.

On February 2, Derbyshire Police were once again called to Hope Valley due to the “usual complaints about the state of parking”, issuing fines to those irresponsibly parking their cars. Now, local District Councillors from the Hope Valley have banded together, urging MPs, Derbyshire County Council, law enforcement, and The Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) to orchestrate an emergency summit.

Their objective is to let residents’ voices be heard and to devise a swift, effective strategy along with an action plan that promotes well-organised, sustainable tourism within both Hope Valley and the wider Peak District National Park.

Councillors Charlotte Farrell and Joanna Collins (High Peak) and Councillors Andy Nash, Simon Ripton, Peter O’Brien and Neil Buttle (Derbyshire Dales) say that they have received numerous messages, complaints and representations from residents requesting that something be done about the impact on both residents and fragile ecosystems caused by the huge numbers of cars and visitors now accessing the park.

The group acknowledged that the popularity of the Peak District National Park “is testament to the importance of the park” as a haven for exercise and nature immersion, but the sheer volume of visitors during peak times is now causing significant disruption to residents’ lives.

Locals often find themselves unable to navigate due to congested roads or leave their homes owing to parking issues. The councillors argue that the litter, waste and overwhelming number of people descending upon the area are leading to degradation of the Peak Park’s most frequented and ecologically vulnerable sites, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Councillor O’Brien said: “The Peak District National Park is estimated to receive between 13 and 24 million visitors annually, huge numbers of which travel by car, and yet our roads, buses, car parks and public infrastructure are simply not designed for this level of demand.

“With multiple landowners, interest groups and councils each acting in isolation there is no joined up strategy to take on the challenge posed by growth in visitor numbers since Covid, further compounded by social media which is introducing the park to a whole new audience.”

The group argues that while the Peak Park enhances the wellbeing of visitors, predominantly from nearby cities, it’s the local residents who bear the brunt. They’re left “who are left footing the bill having to pay for car parks, waste services and toilet provision through their council tax bills whilst suffering from bus services that are unreliable and a lack of affordable homes.”

The plea comes as the PDNPA’s funding faces additional pressure due to escalating costs and what councillors describe as “inadequate” government backing. The National Park currently operates on an annual income of £6.7m with a workforce of 280.

Councillor Collins said: “Enough is enough. It’s time that residents of and visitors to the Hope Valley and the Peak District National Park were given the infrastructure they need to provide for planned, safe, and sustainable tourism that works for all. Urban areas have proved how integrated public transport and demand management schemes can provide for sustainable travel whilst improving the environment.

“In addition to adequate funding for the PDNPA it is our view that it needs a transport infrastructure designed to meet the needs of the tens of millions of visitors who gain so many physical and emotional benefits which they take home with them.”

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