The Multi Agency Coordinating Group (MASCG) for Appleby Horse Fair has published an updated Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for this year’s Fair.
The TMP is designed to minimise the impact on the highways network, address road safety concerns and maintain safety for those visiting the area. It also lays out the measures and restrictions introduced during the various phases of the Fair via the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), first introduced in 2011.
A number of new measures introduced for the 2024 Fair, reported to be effective and well received, will be reintroduced for this year's and future Fairs. They include:
- 30mph speed restrictions in Appleby to reduce traffic speeds in heavily pedestrianised areas where motorists would normally be able to travel at higher speeds.
- A one-way traffic restriction on the Boroughgate side road in Appleby, restricting southbound traffic.
- A no parking restriction along the U3219 at Murton.
- Bunding alongside the A685, between Kirkby Stephen and Winton, to address safety concerns caused by limited visibility for motorists and the associated risk to encampments.
- A temporary pedestrian guardrail installed alongside the new footway on the road known as “Flashing Lane” to improve pedestrian safety.
- Temporary traffic calming measures on the approach to The Sands to address concerns about the excessive speeds of some horses and sulkies.
- Clear signage deterring jumping on and off moving vehicles.
- Restriction measures introduced at Appleby Leisure Centre car park, maintaining residential access, but preventing illegal overnight parking.
In addition to these measures, a post review has been carried out which has resulted in some locations in the surrounding areas of Appleby identified as tolerated areas for encampments being left un-posted.
However, in some areas where concerns were raised about obstructions and poor visibility for road users, post spacing has been reduced in order to prevent encampments forming.
The closure of Broad Close Car Park, due to ongoing flood recovery works in the town, means that there is a reduced amount of off-street parking available. This is likely to cause additional pressure to on-street parking and the council’s Civil Enforcement Officers will be in Appleby to prevent contraventions of on-street parking restrictions.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Traffic Management (Eden) & TTRO Team Leader, Laura McClellan, said, “The improvements to this year’s traffic management plan address issues raised over previous years and are intended to make the highway safe for all its users during the Fair.
“A particular safety message we’re keen to promote at the Fair is that pedestrians must not attempt to board, or jump from moving vehicles at any time.
“Additionally, people travelling to the Fair should also be aware that there are works on the A66 in the County Durham area with lane closures and temporary speed limits.
“As always, we urge all road users to be aware that slow moving and horse drawn vehicles may be present on all routes into and out of Appleby before, during and immediately after the Fair. Please travel with care, consideration and patience.”
The full Traffic Management Plan for Appleby Horse Fair is available at www.applebyfair.org