Snowdonia National Park Authority receives backing for efforts to solve parking problems

Snowdonia National Park Authority is receiving support on a strategy that will help to address parking problems and encourage the use of different modes of transport.

It follows chaotic scenes in the area during the summer forcing police to take enforcement action to ease the situation.

Transport for Wales is now working with the authority on initiatives such as active travel routes, public transport gateways, and smart ticketing measures.

The park authority said it was aiming to provide a world class sustainable tourism offer in North Wales, that is protected and contributes positively to the local economy.

Both organisations will be consulting with local communities and stakeholders to help shape the strategy.

Lee Robinson, North Wales Development Director for Transport for Wales, said: “We’re delighted to support Snowdonia National Park Authority as it is essential that we establish a sustainable approach that provides integrated opportunities for people to explore the area further by foot, bike or public transport.

“At Transport for Wales, we’re committed to delivering public investment with a social purpose and we’re delivering projects that are making a real difference to the people, businesses and communities of Wales.”

Catrin Glyn, Partneriaeth Yr Wyddfa Officer said: “Current over-reliance on cars to access popular sites within the heart of Snowdonia and chronic parking problems at busy times of year is hampering the national park’s core purposes of protecting the landscape, promoting understanding and enjoyment of the area, and supporting the economic and social wellbeing of local communities.

“The partnership is committed to protecting the mountain and the surrounding area, whilst making the special landscape more accessible to non-car-based visitors and enabling people arriving by car to access the area and its attractions by alternative means.

“We hope local communities and stakeholders will take part in the consultation and help us shape the strategy and inform the sustainable parking and transport plans being developed.”

The consultation is being conducted by Yr Wyddfa Partnership and focused on improving access and connectivity in the Yr Wyddfa and Ogwen areas of Snowdonia National Park.

The consultation is taking place from 1 February to 7 March 2021 and local residents are invited to attend an online community workshop focused on the issues and potential solutions for each of the gateway communities:

• Llanberis: 18:30-20:30 on Wednesday 24 February
• Betws-y-Coed: 18:30-20:30 on Thursday 25 February
• Beddgelert: 18:30-20:30 on Tuesday 2 March
• Bethesda: 18:30-20:30 on Wednesday 3 March

To find out more and to participate in the consultation, visit www.snowdonpartnership.co.uk/parkingandtransport, call 01286 875860 or email yrwyddfa@grasshopper-comms.co.uk