'Extreme' measures being taken to stop people parking on road at Welsh beauty spot

A parking ban at one of Wales' popular scenic spots could soon be in place thanks to "reckless drivers". On sunny days, hundreds of sightseers are drawn to Llyn Tegid in Bala, Wales' largest lake, boosting the local economy but leading to chronic parking chaos on the B4403 between Bala and Llanuwchllyn.

Complaints have been lodged by officials from Eryri National Park and Llangywer Parish Council members to Cyngor Gwynedd's traffic division, citing disruption to residents and hindrance to emergency service vehicles. In response, Cyngor Gwynedd is considering implementing a clearway order on the entire stretch of the B4403 from Bala to Llanuwchllyn.

By designating this route as a clearway, which indicates no stopping unless in an emergency regardless of circumstances, they hope to effectively empower enforcement measures, such as towing away problem vehicles. An opponent of the proposal has branded it an "extreme" measure for an issue that is sporadic and localized. However, if a clearway order comes into effect, it would not encompass laybys, permitting parking to continue in designated areas, reports North Wales Live.

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In a briefing for Cyngor Gwynedd's planning committee, the issues have been described: "During periods of fine weather in the summer, it has become clear that Llyn Tegid is an attraction for many visitors. Recently, this has led to parking problems along the narrow road in the Llangywer area on the B4403.

"The Traffic unit has received complaints from Officers of the National Park and members of Llangywer Parish Council, all expressing their concerns about the detrimental effects of inconsiderate parking.

"The reckless parking has not only caused traffic congestion, much to the annoyance of local residents, but has also hampered the response time of emergency services. In response to these issues, we propose to implement a clearway restriction on the road, which we believe will alleviate the current parking problems and improve emergency response."

Local councillor Alan Evans said: "During periods of fine weather in the summer, Llyn Tegid is an attraction for many visitors. Recently, that has led to parking problems along the road in the Llangywer area. As the road is very narrow, the indiscriminate parking can lead to serious traffic problems for local residents.

"But often during these busy times, the road is completely blocked by traffic that cannot move backwards or forwards. This creates difficulties for emergency services to respond to an emergency in the local neighbourhood.

"Also, the road closes at the exact times when water activity is at its busiest. It is very scary to think that it would not be possible for the emergency services to reach a person in trouble in Llyn Tegid, a Lake which has proven to be very dangerous over the years.

"We have consulted widely with the neighbourhood and the Parish Council, and they welcome the following measurements."

One objector voiced their concern, stating: "This order appears to be taking extreme action for what is a reasonably precise problem around the area of Llangower during peak holiday season."

The contentious issue will come under scrutiny at a Cyngor Gwynedd planning meeting on June 24, where the application is advised for approval.