Serious issues on A5 ‘must be tackled’

THE WELSH Government has been accused of failing to act over problem parking on a section of the A5 in Gwynedd that’s popular with climbers and walkers.

According to several local councillors, the ongoing issue of vehicles parking along the A5 in the Llyn Ogwen area is a cause for concern, with the congestion during busier periods making it difficult for vehicles to pass each other and raising the risk of an accident.

Cllr Dafydd Meurig, who has responsibility for the Environment within Gwynedd, has been in touch with the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport to ask for urgent action and a clear plan to find a solution to the problem, suggesting that one potential solution could be a new park and ride system.

But, with six months having passed since the Minister received a feasibility study of the parking problems at different locations on the A5 near Bwthyn Ogwen and Llyn Ogwen, Cllr Meurig has expressed his frustration at the ongoing wait for the report to be published.

He said: “We know, as local people living in this area, this is a historical problem.

“We welcome visitors to the area, it is a thriving industry that supports local families, bringing huge economic benefits to the area and we are proud to be able to open the doors and share this magnificent part of Snowdonia.

“But it comes at a cost, and, unfortunately, one of those is the cost it brings to local people trying to go about their daily lives. It is also at a cost to the visitors themselves, who are trying to enjoy Snowdonia, but who face serious problems in doing so.”

Cllr Meurig has sent pictures of the problems direct to the Minister so he can see the difficulties for himself, accompanying a letter sent on behalf of the local Dyffryn Ogwen councillors.

At the Senedd last month, Arfon AM Sian Gwenllian also requested an update on when the feasibility study looking at the parking issues would be released, only to be told that the report was in the process of translation before its imminent publication.

Cllr Meurig concluded: “The ongoing delay is totally unacceptable. Another tourist period has passed with a total lack of action on the Government’s behalf.

“It is high time solutions are found and in place by the Easter period 2019.

“We feel we need to look at all the possible options: from imposing parking restriction on the A5 in the Llyn Ogwen area, to compulsory parking fees, from the Sherpa bus service to park and ride from nearby locations.

“From the discussions locally, the solution could also have a positive impact on the economy of neighbouring areas such as Bethesda and Capel Curig.”

The Welsh Government has been asked to comment.