Vehicles parked illegally at Mach Loop and Snowdonia face being towed away, police have warned.

More bus services are to be laid on at Snowdonia, and extra staff will be deployed to prevent a repeat of what happened when hundreds of vehicles parked on the Pen-y-Pass and made it unpassable for motorists.

Staff from Gwynedd Council, Snowdonia National Park and North Wales Police will be on duty to remind motorists of their responsibilities.

There will also be signs warning they are liable to be towed away by the police, and cones to discourage parking on the highway.

Police also had a warning for those hoping to visit Mach Loop.

“If you are heading to the A487 Mach Loop please park responsibly and safely in the designated car park.

“We are patrolling the area and any cars parked obstructively will be dealt with.

“Thank you for your co-operation.”

Gwynedd Council leader Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn said: “Our message for people who intend to visit Snowdonia is to plan in advance before they set-off so that they can do so safely and responsibly.

“We want people to be able to enjoy our stunning mountain ranges safely. Those who ignore the message by parking illegally on the highway on Snowdonia’s mountain passes will face an on-the-spot fine or even being towed away by police.”

Emyr Williams, chief executive of Snowdonia National Park Authority, added: “These urgent measures will help to tackle the immediate challenge and we will continue to monitor and adapt as matters progresses.

“Such a situation confirms the urgency required of further progress the existing partnership work on developing a sustainable alpine style model of transport, which involves a radical rethink in the way the area is experienced by visitors and local residents.

“The report on the work will be published soon.”

Supt Neil Thomas, North Wales Police, went on to say: “We are working closely with our colleagues at Gwynedd Council and the national park to help reduce the risk to walkers, cyclists and other road users.

“The measures have been put in place to maximise public safety. This is a 60mph area and the irresponsible and dangerous parking we saw last weekend not only risked lives but also would have prevented emergency vehicle access.

“Whilst we appreciate that people are getting out and about more now that the travel restrictions have lifted, we are urging people 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 parked on the clearway or causing an obstruction will have their vehicle removed at their own expense. Please heed the warning.”

In a joint statement, Hywel Williams MP, Sian Gwenllian MS and Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “Whilst we hope these new measures will provide short-term relief, there must now be concerted efforts by all parties to bring forward a workable, lasting solution to mitigate the local pressures associated with an ever-increasing number of visitors to Eryri.

"We will be engaging constructively in further discussions over the coming weeks and months to explore sustainable solutions which balances the needs of our communities, local economy, the natural environment and visitors.”