‘Ridiculous!’ Parking row erupts as hundreds of cars dumped at British beauty spot

Police were called to the Peak District as hundreds of cars were dumped at a popular beauty spot, causing chaos for locals and emergency services.

Officers patrolled Rushup Edge and Mam Tor after a “high number of visitors” descended on the area, with parking tickets issued to drivers who ignored official advice.

The incident follows similar scenes last weekend when around 200 parked vehicles blocked access roads, preventing gritting lorries and emergency services from passing through.

Roads had to be closed on January 13 due to poor parking and abandoned cars creating dangerous conditions.

Derbyshire County Council reported that the parked vehicles had blocked gritters from accessing vital routes during winter conditions. Police and council parking enforcement officers spent several hours on Saturday managing traffic flow and issuing numerous tickets along Winnats Pass and to vehicles parked on double yellow lines.

“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,” Derbyshire Police warned.

Local residents have expressed outrage over the ongoing situation. “It’s getting ridiculous now. What is wrong with these folk who think they have the right to park where they like?” one person commented.

A police spokesman emphasised the severity of the issue, saying “If you can’t find a space where you first intended to visit then don’t simply dump your car, your selfish actions could be the difference between someone receiving life-saving care or not.”

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Another resident urged for consistent enforcement, arguing: “You need to do this EVERY WEEKEND, and EVERY DAY during the school holidays. It has been getting worse ever since the covid lockdowns were lifted.”

The surge in visitors has been attributed to the location’s viral popularity on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with tourists flocking to witness stunning sunrises and cloud inversions from the hilltop.

However, some visitors have expressed disappointment with their experience. One TikTok user labelled their climb as “the worst mistake” due to excessive crowds and weather conditions.

“I went, insanely busy, no respect shown by anyone, drinking, smoking weed and chaos. I would never go on a Saturday again,” another visitor reported. An experienced walker warned that people “with no hiking experience” were attempting the climb unprepared.

Hope Valley Police continue to work with partners to address the “longstanding parking challenges” at the location.

“The influx of visitors in the early hours overwhelmed the limited parking facilities in the area,” Derbyshire Police said in a statement.

Officers urged visitors to avoid parking on double yellow lines around Mam Tor and respect the clearway on Winnats Pass and the road to Edale.