Overnight Parking Ban Implemented in 11 Eryri Car Parks
Awdurdod Parc Cenedlaethol Eryri has prohibited overnight parking in 11 of its car parks.
Approximately four million visitors come to Eryri annually, many of whom park overnight to witness the mountain sunrises.
The national park authority stated that these changes aim to address "issues related to campervans" and "antisocial behaviour."
However, some residents express concerns that the overnight parking ban will encourage parking on residential streets, and a local tour leader worries about the impact on his business.
Concerns from Local Resident Ian Young
Ian Young, who lives near the long-stay car park in Betws-y-Coed, reports that some overnight campers have used his garden as a toilet and left rubbish on the streets.
He fears that people will park on his street as a result of the ban.
"When you live here, not only as a local but as someone running a business – we have holiday accommodation and there’s a B&B next door – the lack of respect from some people, even if they are a minority, can endanger your business," he said.
Community Council Notes 'Obvious Side Effects'
Betws-y-Coed Community Council stated they "understand the reasons for the overnight parking ban including campervans."
However, they have observed "obvious side effects" since the new ban came into effect, including increased parking on road edges and overnight parking areas.
The council noted that residents have been affected by overnight campers.
Some have complained about noise, parking difficulties, people using nearby ditches as toilets, and waste left in bags beside bins.
National Park Prohibits Parking Between 22:00 and 03:00
The national park authority has banned overnight parking in the following car parks:
- Pont Bethania – Parking for Nant Gwynant and Yr Wyddfa Watkin Path
- Llyn Cwellyn – Parking for Yr Wyddfa Cwellyn Path and Llyn Cwellyn boardwalk
- Rhyd Ddu – Parking for Yr Wyddfa Rhyd Ddu Path and Lôn Gwyrfai
- Betws-y-Coed – Long-stay car park, not including Cae Llan
- Ogwen – Parking for Cwm Idwal and Dyffryn Ogwen
- Beddgelert – Parking for Beddgelert, Lôn Gwyrfai, Fisherman’s Path and Cwm Bychan
- Tŷ Nant – Parking for Cader Idris Pony Path
- Dôl Idris – Parking for Cader Idris Minffordd Path
- Morfa Dyffryn – Parking for Penarlyn footpath and Bennar Beach
- Llyn Tegid – Main parking for Llyn Tegid and Bala
- Llangower – Parking south of Llyn Tegid
Tour Leader Gemma McInnes Voices Financial Concerns
Gemma McInnes, a walking tour leader in Eryri, fears losing income and clients due to the ban.
Gemma, from Gerrigydrudion, Conwy, calls on the park to reconsider the plan, stating it "creates more problems."
"There aren’t enough parking spaces as it is in the national park on a day-to-day basis," she said.
Encouragement to Use Official Campsites
A spokesperson for Eryri National Park said they understand the concerns raised.
They added they would "encourage visitors intending to stay overnight to use official campsites or alternative facilities such as designated motorhome sites – located in towns and villages just outside the National Park boundaries in Gwynedd."
"These options not only provide appropriate facilities but also contribute to the local economy, helping to reduce pressure on sensitive locations within the park and neighbouring communities," the spokesperson added.
"Our car parks remain open for 17 hours a day, providing ample time for recreational opportunities, and some key car parks continue to operate 24 hours a day for those wishing to access the national park at other times."
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