Park sensibly... or we will tow your cars away
WARNING TO SNOWDONIA EASTER VISITORS
SNOWDONIA’S visitors have been warned the gloves will be off this Easter if they park illegally.
Motorists who disrespect parking restrictions risk having their vehicles towed away.
In a joint statement, police and council leaders said they are expecting another deluge of visitors over the Easter and summer periods.
As a result, they will be taking a tough approach to ensure Snowdonia’s roads do not become choked by vehicles parked illicitly, as seen on the A5 in the Ogwen Valley recently.
Extra buses are being laid on and a new alert system is being rolled out to indicate when car parks are full. Visitors are being asked to plan ahead and to check online channels to see which areas are already full.
Gwynedd Council has been working closely with North Wales Police (NWP) and Snowdonia National Park (NP) to prepare for this year’s holiday season.
It follows a rapid rise in visitor numbers in the past two years as Snowdonia (Eryri) has become one of Britain’s favourite staycation destinations.
Dafydd Williams, head of Gwynedd Council’s environment department, said: “We ask motorists to respect the parking restrictions and keep the roads clear and safe.
“In the past there have been instances where cars have parked illegally and which made it very difficult for emergency services vehicles to pass.
“Staff from North Wales Police and Gwynedd Council, who now have powers to tow vehicles away, will pay particular attention to the Eryri area. Our message is for motorists to park sensibly, but if necessary, we will take appropriate action to remove vehicles that park illegally for public safety.”
Monitoring of car parking trends has revealed sharp increases across the National Park. Last year parking at Llyn Tegid, Bala, was up 70% on 2019. Some of the biggest rises were on the Gwynedd coast, with parking numbers up 76% in 2021 at Min-ydon, Harlech.
Many of the worst parking issues occur on mountain passes, where space is at premium. Sherpa bus services have been steadily beefed up to provide an alternative,
running regularly to connect popular routes around Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
Police and local authorities stress that visitors are welcome and that Eryri has much to offer besides honeypot spots such as Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa).
Last year parking figures at Pen-y-pass on Wales’ highest mountain fell by a third (34%) compared with 2019 after pre-booking was introduced at peak times. Barriers and number plate recognition cameras are due to be installed there ahead of this year’s summer season.
North Wales Police said that, where necessary, it will take “appropriate steps” to ensure the safety of local residents and visitors. Insp Arwel Hughes said: “We welcome people to the area but ask the public to plan their visit in advance.”
Snowdonia National Park Authority (SNPA) is pushing for sustainable tourism and controlling transport flows is a key element of this. Bus services in the most popular areas are being increased in the peak season, and extra seasonal wardens are being employed this year.
Emyr Williams, its chief executive added: “We are placing sensors at all our car parks around the foothills of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) so potential visitors can make informed decisions as to which area they wish to visit, and have a backup plan if car parks are at full capacity.”
Groups of volunteers will also be on hand across the National Park to help with litter picks and provide advice for visitors. Mr Williams urged everyone to treat them and staff with courtesy.
He said: “Staff from all authorities work together to keep the public safe and we ask residents and visitors to bear this in mind when visiting the area and treat them with respect and kindness at all times.”