Motorists warned of £70 fines ahead of bank holiday as new red routes target poor parking

Drivers have been warned they risk £70 fines this week after Derbyshire unveiled its first red routes, which have taken effect in the Peak District just days before the upcoming bank holiday weekend.

The restrictions, introduced by Derbyshire County Council, have begun targeting notorious parking trouble spots around Castleton and Mam Tor, one of the county's most visited beauty spots.

Double red lines have been painted across several key locations to tackle what the authority describes as "inconsiderate parking" that has plagued the area for years.

The measures came into force last week following a public consultation held in 2025, where two-thirds of respondents backed the proposed changes or offered suggestions for improvement.

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Vehicles are now prohibited from stopping at any time along the designated routes. The double red lines cover Old Mam Tor Road from its junction with the A6817 Buxton Road, the stretch leading to Blue John Cavern, Rushup Edge Road extending to Rushup Edge Farm, and Winnats Pass through to Sparrowpit.

Drivers have been banned from stopping or parking on the road, verge or pavement behind the lines, with the restrictions applying to all drivers, including taxi operators and Blue Badge holders.

Motorists caught breaking the regulations will receive a £70 penalty notice, though this drops to £35 if paid within two weeks.

The council has also introduced fresh double yellow lines on numerous streets within Castleton village, including How Lane, Castle Street and Back Street, aimed at preventing obstructive parking.

Despite the new measures, residents remain uncertain whether the colour change from yellow to red will make any real difference

A driver from Castleton who helps run the Concerned for Castleton campaign group said drivers had already been spotted ignoring the freshly painted restrictions.

He told the BBC: "The parking fills by probably 11am, and after that, people are looking for anywhere they can park, and unfortunately, many ignore parking restrictions.

"We're not trying to stop people coming, we're just saying park where you should - if I go to the Trafford Centre in Manchester and all the car parks are full, I don't park on the M6 just because it's convenient."

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Parking chaos has also taken a toll on local farmers trying to go about their daily work, with one driver warning that he would adopt a "wait-and-see" approach to the new restrictions.

The concerned local explained that visitors' vehicles had previously blocked his driveway, creating serious problems during the busiest periods of the agricultural calendar.

Charlotte Hill, the county council's cabinet member for potholes, highways and transport, said the authority had sought to strike a balance between competing interests.

"We have tried to balance the needs of local people, business and visitors to this beautiful part of our county," she said.

Ms Hill emphasised that reliable access for emergency services was a primary concern behind the decision to introduce new penalties.

The councillor also stressed the council's desire to promote sustainable visitor numbers while reducing congestion in what she described as one of Derbyshire's most outstanding and heavily visited areas.

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