travel cumbria news

• ALL MOTORWAYS
• Southampton
• West Midlands
• East Anglia
• Central Scotland
• ALL REGIONS

Traffic Cumbria

•   Cumbria
• Nearby: Penrith Keswick Ambleside Bowness On Windermere Windermere Kendal

NOTE We are experiencing intermittent problems with the traffic map, which is due to circumstances not under control. We are currently investigating the cause. Please scroll down to see current traffic incidents.

Current traffic around Cumbria

Cumbria roadworks.

Let's Get Social

Get in touch with us or stay up to date with our latest news and updates.

Live Email Traffic Alerts

Get live email alerts whenever there is a traffic incident or roadworks on the on the roads you travel that may cause congestion or jams.

LEGAL NOTICE

Please remember that it is against the law to use your mobile phone, tablet or any electronic device without a hands-free kit whilst driving. If you're caught by the police using any device that can send or receive data whilst driving or riding a motorcyle you'll get an automatic fixed penalty notice, 6 points on your licence and a fine of £200. A court could also disqualify you from driving.

Elsewhere on the web:

Official source of traffic updates.

Transport for London's (TfL) portal for transportation in London.

The Welsh government's traffic information service for Wales.

Live traffic conditions and news for Scotland's road network.

Advertise to millions of motorists, holidaymakers and commuters.

Except where otherwise noted, content and photographs on this site are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License . Owned, operated and copyright CliqTo Ltd 2024 and Chris Haycock . Registered company number 7575287.

Radio Jingle by Oleg Fedak from Pixabay D&B Business Listing

Welcome to Cumbria Live. Here you'll find the latest news, updates, and information for Cumbria, including about the Lake District, Carlisle, Barrow, Kendal, Workington and Whitehaven. We'll bring you breaking news, police and crime updates, traffic and travel information, community news, weather forecasts and more. You'll also find the latest events and what's on information including things to do, family and kids activities, and everything you need to know about the best places to go, attractions, pubs and restaurants, shopping and music and gigs. Bookmark us at cumbrialive.news

To keep updated, follow CumbriaLive on Facebook or on Twitter @CumbriaLive . Have you got news for us? Contact our newsdesk on [email protected] .

Get all the latest news and what's on stories sent to your inbox with the CumbriaLive newsletter here.

• The flat Cumbria walk with ancient woodland, glacial tarn and superb views - and it's not in the Lake District
• 10 free things to do in Cumbria that will keep you busy while not costing a penny
• Cumbria's best tourism attractions from best experience to top campsite
• Beautiful hidden beach near the Lake District that's dog-friendly and away from the crowds
• 19 places in Cumbria that look and sound like they're straight out of a fairytale

Traffic and Travel

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites
• Casino Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Police declare major incident and urge against travel to Cumbria after snowfall

Cumbria police said some highway teams had been ‘verbally abused’ as they attempted to deal with the situation., article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails

Sign up to our free breaking news emails, thanks for signing up to the breaking news email.

Cumbria Police has urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday after it declared a major incident because of heavy snowfall on the county’s roads.

The force said a multi-agency response was ongoing on Saturday evening to “minimise the challenges that heavy snowfall is continuing to have on the county’s road network”.

It has urged people not to travel to the county on Sunday unless necessary, adding that some highway teams had been “verbally abused” as they attempted to deal with the situation.

In a post on social media, Cumbria Police said: “A yellow weather warning for ice is in place for tomorrow morning which will have a continued impact on Cumbria’s roads.

“We would also urge people not to travel to the county tomorrow unless necessary.”

Cumbria Fire & Rescue Service said it was utilising its 4 x 4 vehicles to help “vulnerable people stuck in the snow as required”, adding that it was assisting at reception centres.

Cumbria Police said the M6 southbound between J38 and J37 was blocked on Saturday due to jackknifed lorries and that the A595 between Millom and Furness was impassable.

National Highways said it was also dealing with a large number of stranded vehicles on Saturday evening, particularly on the M6 between J38 and J40.

Cumbria Police issued a number of further road closures and delay warnings just after midnight on Sunday, with the A591 Windermere Road (Plumgarth Roundabout, Kendal) to Wythburn and A5092 between Whicham and Greenodd impassable due to heavy snowbanks and frozen conditions.

Police urged residents to stay indoors and to check the traffic map on the Cumbria Police website if travel is needed.

A number of local community venues have also opened to provide support to those impacted by the heavy snowfall, including Ambleside Parish Centre, Braithwaite Hall and Esthwaite Primary School.

Earlier on Saturday, Cumbria Police said it was aware of multiple reports of vehicles stuck in traffic in the South Lakes area, particularly in the Bowness and Grizedale areas, because of snow.

Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said: “We are continuing to see challenging conditions in Cumbria.

“Agencies across the county have been working hard and will be into the night in response to the impact of heavy snowfall.

“We are aware of a number of incidents in which highway teams and those assisting in the efforts to support those affected by the snow have been verbally abused.

“We understand people’s frustration during this time; however, agencies are working hard to improve the situation in Cumbria and are also facing the challenging road conditions when responding.

“The snow today ended up being much more significant than forecast and the amber warning that was put in place this afternoon is in place until midnight and, with a yellow warning from snow and ice tomorrow, we expect to continue to see challenging road conditions whilst these warning are in place. Therefore, we continue to ask people to not travel and to only do so if absolutely necessary.”

The Met Office had issued an amber warning for snow in Cumbria throughout Saturday, saying 10-15cm of snow is possible in some areas before showers begin to ease overnight.

The weather service added there was a “good chance that some rural communities could become cut off” and power cuts were likely, with the potential for other services, such as mobile phone coverage, to be affected.

National Highways national network manager Dale Hipkiss advised people to be as prepared as possible when on the roads in the wake of multiple vehicles becoming stranded in Cumbria.

He said: “Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital in case you and your passengers become stranded.

“Freezing conditions bring so many hazards such as snow and ice, please take every possible step to understand your journey in advance and allow extra time when travelling. Keeping a kit of essential items like a torch and warm clothes, in your vehicle, can be vital.”

We’ve had no communication from any of the authorities and we’ve not seen a single gritter trying to free anyone

The Met has also issued a yellow warning for ice from midnight until 11am on Sunday in Cumbria and north Lancashire, stating that a “few snow flurries may continue into the early hours of Sunday, but the main hazard will be refreezing of any melted snow, or freezing of lying snow”.

This warning was extended into more of southwest Scotland and northern England on Saturday evening.

A yellow warning for snow across eastern parts of England expired at 7am.

Ambleside resident Harrison Ward said the snow was the heaviest he had seen during eight years of living in the Cumbrian town, adding that lots of people had abandoned their vehicles on Saturday as they “tried to find refuge”.

Mr Ward, who works as an outdoor cook, told the PA news agency: “It really feels like you’re walking through the Alps or some ski resort at the moment.”

He added: “Once a few cars have stopped or crashed or been abandoned, then it all comes to a halt.

“So we’ve seen complete gridlock through the town with lots of wheel spinning going on – there’s a real smell of burnt clutches in the air.

“Some vehicles moved about 100 metres in an hour’s time.”

One driver said they were stuck between Ambleside and Windermere for more than five hours on Saturday.

The driver, who wished to remain anonymous, told the PA news agency: “We’ve had no communication from any of the authorities and we’ve not seen a single gritter trying to free anyone.

“My wife and four-year-old had to walk two miles – there were cars driving on the wrong side of the road that caused more jams.”

The Met Office said Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland regions of Scotland were likely to see the lowest temperatures on Saturday night, with minus 12C possible in some valleys in these regions.

The weather service has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice from 6pm on Saturday to 12pm on Sunday covering much of the Midlands, Yorkshire, the north east and north west of England, and north and central Wales.

It said that while not everywhere will see accumulating snow, some places are likely to see 1-3cm, with 5-10cm possible over some hills and mountains in Wales, the Peak District and South Pennines.

The forecaster said there will probably be icy patches on untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths, resulting in “some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces”.

It warned that some roads and railways are likely to be affected, with longer journey times by road, bus and train.

In Wales, the A470 was closed between Llechwedd, Blaenau Ffestiniog, towards the Crimea Pass due to the weather conditions on Saturday afternoon as North Wales Police told drivers to avoid the area.

The Met Office has also issued a yellow weather warning of ice from midnight until 8am on Sunday for London, the East of England, the West Midlands and parts of South Wales.

The weather service warned that areas of rain or sleet falling on frozen surfaces may lead to icy conditions and some injuries may result from slips and falls.

Glasgow Airport temporarily suspended all flights on Saturday morning, with the transport hub posting on X, formerly Twitter, at 7.24am that it was doing so because of “heavier than forecast snow”.

At 10.20am, the airport posted: “Our runway is now fully operational again and we are working with our airline partners and their handlers to resume flight schedules.”

Flights were also cancelled and delayed at London Stansted Airport because of cold weather conditions on Saturday evening.

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued amber cold health alerts in five regions – the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, North East and Yorkshire and the Humber – until December 5, meaning “cold weather impacts are likely to be felt across the whole health service for an extended period of time”.

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Border Travel

Latest stories.

Severe disruption to Northern railway service between Carlisle and Lancaster

Customers are being urged to check before they travel after flooding has caused cancellations to train services between Carlisle and Lancaster.

Passengers advised to check travel after disruption to railways

Response teams from North West Network Rail are working on fallen trees and flooding after a night of heavy wind.

Commuter says the reintroduction of peak rail fares is 'extremely frustrating'

A commuter who has been forced to move back in with her parents due to rising costs, says the reintroduction of peak rail fares will 'hinder her savings'.

Avanti West Coast service suspended due to emergency

Two men arrested after attempted train robbery at lockerbie, passengers face more disruption as union issues fresh train driver overtime ban, lake district road to close for majority of june as drivers warned of disruption, drivers warned as lake district road set to close throughout most of june, 'i wouldn't trust them to run a bath'- mps react as transpennine lose contract, cumbria aims to have zero road deaths by 2040 as 'hotspot roads' targeted, roads riddled with potholes leaves local residents 'embarrassed', direct weekday services between carlisle and glasgow central to resume, minister's talks on a75 improvements 'constructive' says alister jack, union chain bridge connecting scotland and england re-opens after restoration, destruction and disruption after strong winds and heavy rain.

Latest News

Keep up to date with the latest news from cumbria tourism….

Charging Ahead Together: Cumbria Tourism and Lloyd Motor Group Celebrate Partnership on World EV Day

9th Sep 2024

On World EV Day today, Monday 9 September, Cumbria Tourism and Lloyd Motor Group are celebrating two years of a successful partnership dedicated to advancing eco-friendly travel across the county. As part of the collaboration, Cumbria Tourism has been actively...

Previous posts

New satellite technology helps visitors ‘travel smarter’ in the Lake District, Cumbria

18th Jul 2024

As the school summer holidays get underway, Cumbria Tourism has launched a new online travel planner, funded by the European Space Agency, to help visitors plan their trip in the most efficient way possible. The county’s Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP) is at...

Landmark 40th Lakeland Book of the Year winners revealed

10th Jul 2024

Grasmere-based author Polly Atkin has been crowned the overall winner of the 2024 Hunter Davies Lakeland Book of the Year Award held in the competition’s 40th anniversary year. She was honoured as part of a special ceremony at The Castle Green Hotel in Kendal, where...

Business trailblazers revealed at Cumbria Tourism Awards

3rd Jul 2024

Trailblazing businesses from across Cumbria’s vibrant visitor economy gathered at Kendal’s Castle Green hotel last night, Tuesday 2 July, to hear the results of the highly-anticipated Cumbria Tourism Awards 2024. It’s a landmark year for the awards, which coincide...

Cumbria Tourism bosses welcome new virtual train route

17th Jun 2024

Following on from what has been a very successful Go Car Free campaign, with an estimated PR audience reach of 91,571,240, campaign partners Avanti West Coast and Stagecoach Cumbria and North Lancashire have announced a new integrated rail ticket to Keswick. Launching...

Shortlist announced for Lakeland Book of the Year 2024

As the shortlist is announced for Lakeland Book of the Year 2024, there are less than three weeks to go before it’s revealed who will follow in the footsteps of last year’s overall winner, photographer and writer Amy Bateman. Now in their 40th year, the Lakeland Book...

MBE award for stalwart in Cumbria’s tourism industry

One of the best-known figures in Cumbria’s tourism industry, Jim Walker, has been recognised with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2024. The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) is being awarded to Jim for services to tourism. President of Cumbria...

Cumbrian success at VisitEngland Awards for Excellence

6th Jun 2024

Cumbria Tourism is congratulating two trailblazing tourism businesses after they triumphed at last night’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence in Liverpool. The VIP awards ceremony, hosted by hotelier and TV presenter Alex Polizzi, saw Allium at Askham Hall scoop the...

Free masterclass event to help tourism businesses plan for success

16th May 2024

Some of Cumbria’s leading innovators in tourism and hospitality will be joining top industry experts for a special event next week to help businesses plan for future success. The free event on Thursday 23 May (9.30am-2pm) at Roundthorn Country House near Penrith will...

Cumbria Tourism charges ahead with EV

2nd May 2024

The Cumbria Tourism team is charging ahead with a new all-electric car from its Strategic Partner Lloyd Motor Group, as it promotes the benefits of adopting more eco-friendly modes of transport. As the county’s official Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP),...