People in North Wales are being encouraged to plan ahead as authority partners prepare for a busy Bank Holiday weekend

Gwynedd Council, the Snowdonia National Park Authority and North Wales Police have been working together to tackle parking problems, litter issues and unlawful camping with the aim of making this visitor season a positive and safe experience for everyone, and of protecting the local landscape and wildlife.

Gwynedd Council Cabinet member for Environment, Cllr Gareth Griffith said: “With current travel restrictions to numerous non-UK countries, it is expected that a significant number will visit popular locations in Gwynedd and north Wales over the next few months.

Like last year, we have been working closely with our partners to ensure measures are in place to protect our communities and to keep the public safe. Covid-19 has not gone away and it’s vital that the people follow the rules and respect our communities and environment.

“We encourage anyone who plans to visit Gwynedd to plan ahead and to ensure they park responsibly. Clear arrangements have been put in place in locations such as Pen y Pass and Ogwen to ensure that the areas are safe for everyone. Anyone who ignores these arrangements are likely to receive a fine and on some occasions, vehicles could be towed away.”

Snowdonia National Park Authority said a bus will provided to ease parking problems.

Chief Executive Emyr Williams said: “Given our most popular car parks are full before 6.30am during the high season by working in partnership with other authorities we can provide a suitable infrastructure. This will be provided through additional shuttle bus services in the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and Ogwen areas, temporary and permanent signage, pre-booking at Pen y Pass and a strong messaging campaign to encourage people to come during quieter times of the week and year to help spread the load.

“We need to remember that Snowdonia is a protected area where people live and work and we also recognise the countless hours the dedicated hard-working team of volunteers give to the area and appreciate their hard work and generosity. Over the Bank Holiday the SNPA and Snowdonia Society volunteers will again be picking up litter and providing support to help visitors make the best choices so that they can have the best time here.”

Superintendent Neil Thomas, North Wales Police said: “We continue to work closely with our colleagues across the local authorities and the National Park to help reduce the risk to walkers, cyclists and other road users.

“When restrictions were lifted last year we unfortunately saw dangerous, irresponsible and illegal parking which posed a risk to public safety in many of our beauty spots, including Ogwen and Pen-y-Pass.

“We appreciate that many people want to enjoy the bank holiday weekend and the predicted good weather, however it is essential that travelling to these areas does not adversely impact on others. So we are once again urging anybody who is considering visiting areas such as Snowdonia to be responsible and think about where they park, and to make full use of the park and ride facilities that are available.

“Anybody found to be parking on the clearway or causing an obstruction will have their vehicle removed at their own expense. Patrols will continue throughout the bank holiday weekend and we’ll continue to work with our partners to ensure the rules are being followed.”