“Ridiculous parking” sparks police warning to Eryri visitors
Visitors to Eryri (Snowdonia) are being urged to drive and park safely after “irresponsible behaviour” caused significant disruption at Pen y Pass over the weekend, ahead of worsening conditions from Storm Goretti.
The plea from North Wales Police and partner agencies follows multiple reports of vehicles being parked in dangerous locations, including at the edge of snow-lined carriageways, blocking access and creating safety risks.
T/Inspector Jason Diamond said:
“It was really disappointing to see such irresponsible behaviour last weekend with people leaving vehicles in ridiculous parking locations, causing the ‘if they do it, I’ll do it’ effect and massively increasing risk to themselves and others.
“We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow – but common sense must still prevail. Leaving vehicles at the edge of snow-lined carriageways and pushing others into the paths of oncoming vehicles at best increases the risk of coming back to a damaged vehicle, but at worst, hugely increases the risk of serious personal injury.”
He added that irresponsible parking and unnecessary travel put additional strain on emergency and volunteer services, who were already stretched due to winter conditions.
“Pre-empting the social media responses, seizing vehicles left in dangerous situations, whilst always an option, needs to be risk managed in such conditions. Whilst some may not be, we are always working with safety in mind,” he said. “And building car parks in a national park is far more complicated than it sounds.”
With the Met Office’s yellow and amber warnings for snow now in force across parts of North Wales, police say they are concerned that more visitors could head to Eryri as snow continues to fall.
T/Inspector Diamond said: “If you are planning on visiting Eryri, please familiarise yourself with the weather forecast and keep up to date with information relating to Storm Goretti by following the Met Office and news bulletins. If you do intend on visiting, please make sure you park responsibly and sensibly. Local authorities will be sending their enforcement officers out and will be issuing notices to any vehicles illegally parked.”
The warning comes as Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team reports rapidly deteriorating conditions on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), where unstable snow and cornices have developed on several upper sections of popular routes including the Pyg Track and Llanberis Path.
A statement from the team said: “With further snowfall expected as Storm Goretti moves across the UK, winter conditions on Yr Wyddfa are continuing to develop, particularly on the upper sections of popular routes. Recent observations show areas of unstable snow, with cornices forming in several locations near the top of the mountain. These overhanging snow features can collapse without warning, and may trigger localised avalanches where paths run close to steep ground.”
Volunteer Elfyn Jones from the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team added:
“As you can see from the photo, many paths are now unrecognisable and buried under snow, highlighting how important good navigation skills are in these conditions. The higher sections of the Llanberis Path and the railway are particularly dangerous. The snow is compacted and icy, meaning crampons and an ice axe are essential. These are complex winter conditions where experience and sound judgement are key.”
The team is urging anyone considering mountain activities to assess the forecast, check local advice and be ready to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
Check live fuel prices near you before you set off.
Spotted something? Got a story? Email news (@) deeside.com
NEW: Add Deeside.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Latest News
