The next English getaway where you could pay a tax to visit

LocalTravel
10 Jul 2025 • 9:47 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • A leading policy voice for the north of England has suggested a congestion charge for the Lake District.
  • Henri Murison, CEO of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, proposed the charge to improve the environment and enhance local bus services.
  • The suggestion follows new data revealing a 14 per cent drop in overall visitors and an 18 per cent fall in day visitors to the Lake District in 2024 compared to 2019.
  • Murison argued that funds raised could address underfunding in local government and provide better public transport options for visitors.
  • He suggested a variable charge, targeting peak congestion times in summer, with free park and ride services offered as compensation.

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