The Lake District National Park, a beloved destination for millions, is introducing a strict new crackdown on anti-social behaviour that could see visitors hit with fines of up to £1,000. The move comes in response to a surge in environmental damage and littering linked to irresponsible camping.
What behaviour will trigger a £100 fine?
Westmorland and Furness Council is rolling out Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) in several key areas from early 2026. These orders empower Cumbria Police to issue Fixed Penalty Notices of £100 for specific offences. The behaviours targeted include:
- Fly-camping: The irresponsible and illegal practice of camping in beauty spots and leaving behind litter and damage.
- Using disposable barbecues: Which have caused burned grass and fire risks.
- Abandoning tents and littering.
- Irresponsible alcohol use in public spaces.
Failure to pay the initial £100 penalty can lead to prosecution and a court-imposed fine of up to £1,000.
Where and when are the new rules being enforced?
The PSPOs will first be introduced in areas including Askam, Dalton, Blea Tarn, and the National Trust sites at Coniston East Shore and Windermere West Shore. Following a consultation on 6 January, the council may extend the orders to nine additional locations, such as the popular Ullswater.
The decision follows a public consultation in September where an overwhelming 90% of respondents supported the tougher measures. A survey by the Friends of the Lake District highlighted the scale of the problem: 97% of visitors encountered litter, 80% saw barbecues or fires in summer, and 77% witnessed fly-camping.
A necessary tool to protect a national treasure
Councillor Judith Derbyshire, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety, stated: "We are delighted our communities have backed these proposals. We understand the frustration residents feel when they see the impact that irresponsible behaviour can have on our communities and natural landscapes."
She emphasised that the goal is responsible enjoyment and 'leaving no trace', rather than issuing fines. "These Orders are used to safeguard the places that matter to us all," she added.
The Lake District attracts around 18 million visitors annually to its fells and waters. The new rules aim to balance this huge popularity with the urgent need to preserve the park's fragile ecology for future generations.
