Police in Peak District due to more parking problems

Police officers are in the Peak District again due to parking problems in the national park for the third day running.

Both Winnats Pass and Rushup Edge, near Castleton in Derbyshire, were shut by police on Sunday afternoon over poor parking.

The closures followed reports of "about 200" parked cars blocking gritting lorries and emergency services trying to respond to an injured walker near Edale on Saturday.

On Monday, Derbyshire Police said it was seeing problems at Rushup Edge again - adding tickets would be issued and any dangerously parked vehicles may be towed.

A police spokesperson added: "It is very simple - poor parking causes traffic issues that makes things very difficult for local people going about their day and, in the worst cases, can stop ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles being able to attend emergencies.

"We will be liaising with our colleagues in the relevant authorities for the area in coming days following this weekend's issues."

Derbyshire County Council confirmed that both Winnats Pass and Rushup Edge at Sparrowpit End were now open after police dealt with parking issues.

"Many cars got tickets or were towed away," the council added on social media platform X.

Hope Valley police teams previously said 21 drivers who parked on the clearway through Winnats Pass on Saturday would be prosecuted.

A spokesperson for the county council had said its gritters were unable to serve part of the route that covers Rushup Edge on Saturday morning, because of cars being double parked in the area and on Mam Nick.

A statement said: "We realise that people want to enjoy the Peak District, but this level of parking is making the gritters' job very difficult."

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.