Changes to Traffic Management Plan for Appleby Horse Fair confirmed
Partner agencies within the Multi Agency Strategic Coordinating Group (MASCG) for Appleby Horse Fair have announced a series of changes to the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for the 2026 Fair, building on lessons learned from previous years and introducing new measures aimed at improving public safety, reducing congestion and protecting residential areas.
The updated Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for 2026 includes the permanent adoption of several successful temporary measures introduced in recent years, alongside new resident-only parking controls, enhanced enforcement powers and revised traffic management arrangements across Appleby, Burrells and surrounding routes.
Key changes for 2026 include the formalisation of parking restrictions at Murton village green and Church Brough and the introduction of resident permit parking areas on a trial basis
Temporary measures facilitating horse tethering and sulky parking at Appleby Library car park will be in place again for the 2026 Fair, with Blue Badge parking provision maintained on some bays at the library from Thursday to Sunday.
A number of safety-led measures have also been introduced following operational reviews carried out after the 2025 Fair.
Jubilee Ford will be closed throughout the event due to significant erosion on the southern edge of the crossing, which has created a substantial drop into the river.
Physical barriers and warning signage will be installed to prevent access, and anyone travelling from the Burrells direction will need to use alternative routes into Appleby. However, pedestrian access is still possible using the footbridge.
A joint post-Fair review undertaken with Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumbria Police has also resulted in changes to verge protection and post arrangements for 2026.
Following a successful trial last year and a full review, posts will be removed from agreed “tolerate in situ” locations and adjustments to post spacing at some junctions have been made to improve visibility and enhance road safety for all road users.
The tighter post spacings introduced at Rising Sun Corner in 2025 will remain in place following positive feedback and operational success.
MASCG Chair and Westmorland Furness Council’s Senior Manager for Communities, Claire Notman, said: “Safety is the priority for all the agencies involved in the MASCG. To reflect this, enhanced enforcement action will be in place throughout the Fair to support the safe movement of traffic and pedestrians.
“Vehicles parked within resident permit areas without displaying a valid permit will be issued with Penalty Charge Notices, while enforcement action will also be taken against vehicles parked in restricted locations, particularly where obstruction or safety concerns arise.
“We’d also like to remind motorists not to park on or near junctions, including grass verges, as this can significantly reduce visibility and restrict access for emergency vehicles, residents and pedestrians.”
To help visitors plan ahead, an updated official parking map has been produced for the 2026 Fair, highlighting designated parking areas available in and around Appleby.
“With parking capacity within the town remaining limited, we strongly encourage visitors to use official car parks wherever possible and to park responsibly to avoid congestion and safety risks,” said the MASCG Chair.
The revised plans also reflect ongoing National Highways works on the A66, with enhanced lane management signage remaining in place on the eastbound dual carriageway near Appleby, alongside reduced speed limits and average speed camera enforcement linked to the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project.
All other core traffic measures, including temporary speed limits, pedestrian protection, one-way systems and encampment prevention arrangements, will remain broadly consistent with those implemented during the 2025 Fair.
For more information visit the Travel section of the MASCG’s website at www.applebyfair.org