'Large fines and massive inconvenience' needed at under-siege Eryri lake to avoid more 'Third World chaos'
A lakeside car park in Gwynedd has again been closed as holidaymakers take advantage of the warm weather. Residents in Bala are bracing for another day of 'Third World chaos' after scores of cars parked inconsiderately in the area yesterday (Saturday, July 12).
North Wales Police (NWP) have warned that more vehicles risk being towed if they ignore parking restrictions. It follows calls for greater enforcement as well as the provision of expanded parking facilities.
In a social media post, NWP said Bala was again experiencing a visitor surge today (Sunday, July 13). A spokesperson said: 'As the warm weather continues we have the same issue as yesterday. The car park for Llyn Tegid is currently closed as it is full.
'Anyone wishing to visit the lake are advised to park in Bala town and walk down. Due to this there is a great deal of congestion so motorists just passing through the area are advised to find another route wherever possible.'
On Saturday the Llangower car park on the opposite side of the lake was also closed, prompting visitors to park up on the narrow B4403. The resulting congestion prompted local Neighbourhood Police officers and National Park wardens to remove vehicles that were parked 'dangerously and inconsiderately'.
Last year, following similar parking issues, the road was designated a Clearway, prohibiting stopping except for emergency vehicles. The NWP Gwynedd South policing team warned they will tow more cars today if the problem is repeated.
'If you are visiting the area please be mindful of where you park,' said a spokesperson. 'Avoid causing obstructions to the roadway and footpaths, or risk having your vehicle recovered.' Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now
(Image: NWP Gwynedd South)
'Inappropriate' parking was reported across North Wales yesterday, from Llanberis to Llangollen. However the spotlight fell on Bala due to the sheer weight of visitors and the problems caused.
One local said: 'It was horrendous down there. I was there at 9.15 and it was full. The wardens were doing their best and when I came to leave at 11.30, they were operating a 1 in 1 out system. However, when I got to the lane, cars were just stopping on the side. The lane is narrow enough already.'
Another noted how cars were parked in 'dangerous places'. A third added: 'We went through and it was crazy where cars were parked!'
A common online suggestion is for the authorities to provide more parking and for farmers to be encouraged to open up their fields. Both ideas have major drawbacks, not least Eryri's remit to preserve the beauty of the National Park and not concrete it over. Agricultural change of use persmissions would also be needed.
However late last month plans were approved to increase the capacity of the Llangower car park by 50%. New gates and APNR cameras are also due to be installed here and at the Llyn Tegid car park.
To prevent more chaos breaking out in Bala and elsewhere, some people want 'large fines and massive inconvenience' for those who park inconsiderately. Others prefer equally draconian measures.
'Maybe make the car parks pre-booking only and double yellow line all the way along the road?' suggested one woman online. Another added: 'Perhaps Bala should go down the same route as Nant Ffrancon (sic) and ban all parking that's not in a car park. Llyn Ogwen used to be a nightmare in the summer but now it's much easier to drive past.'
There is some sympathy for day-trippers who drive long distances only to find their destinations tantalisingly out of reach for lack of parking. While public transport is encouraged, it's also accepted that many people are still wedded to their cars.
Some holidaymakers are also anxious not to be tarred by the same brush. On social media, one said: 'When and where we do we don't treat the place like our own private theme park - we don't park illegally but drive on to find somewhere quieter.
'We don't block bus stops and farmers' gateways, we treat the local community with consideration and we don't leave mounds of rubbish and worse behind. And we are quite happy to pay the tourist tax which is collected in most places now, not just in Wales!'
Wales' Visitor Levy – dubbed a tourist tax – is due from 2027 and it will only be implemented in counties whose councils adopt the measure. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Meanwhile, Eryri National Park Authority has issued safety advice to swimmers and watersports enthusiasts at Llyn Tegid, Wales's largest natural lake. Swimming is permitted but the lake is known for its cold water and deep edges.
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