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Thank you for a most informative site. I have
just spent several hours reviewing the vast amount of data contained (I have
also read the full report!)
I had missed any previous opportunity to be
involved in any form of consultation, Yes I do read the local press.
As a local resident for 25 years I am in full
agreement with the concept that the strain on parking and access is limited
to a few specific days of each year, but that access to the region requires
better management
The heralding of the SHERPA bus scheme 20 odd
years ago sounded wonderful and I even used it myself to return home after
walking over the hills many times. It has since declined along with the
quality of public transport generally in the region.
Recently I responsibly parked my car in a car
park in Bethesda and walked up to Ogwen, arriving around midday only to
discover the next SHERPA which would return me to Bethesda would be along at
16:30!. I walked back in very bad weather!
Back in the eighties I visited Pembrokeshire
with my young family for several years. I remember particularly Manorbier
Castle where a local field had been installed with a kind of concrete grid
which allowed its use as an overflow car park when visitor numbers were very
high.
In summary there is no real need for some
great high brow strategy. The current situation has been brought about by a
total lack of commitment to the provision of rural transport system and a
simple refusal to accept that the nation as a whole does not encourage
alternatives to the private motor car. I believe that as soon as the
relevant bodies stop trying to dream up ways of taking visitors for a ride,
(pun intended) and encourage them to enjoy Yr Eryri, the better for the
local economy all round:-
- Take the initiative and provide a modern
integrated efficient local bus service running at realistic intervals
throughout the region, promoted as an eco friendly alternative to
private car use and incorporating the needs of cyclists. I am absolutely
convinced that if implemented with real determination (ie market it!) it
will become a desirable form of access to Yr Eryri for visitors and
local alike.
- Encourage the development of small scale
privately operated "overflow" car parking in areas of high
demand. Management of these would only require assistance in
environmentally sympathetic layout (shrub screening etc) realistic
planning permission and a clearly defined charging policy. This will
alleviate the congestion at peak times and provide an additional source
of income to those people directly affected by the influx of traffic.
- Spend a bit more money on clear signage,
encouraging visitors to use the facilities available, in fact, take a
little more civic pride and spend a bit more on signs!, (just look at
the sign announcing Bethedsa on the approach from the Nant Francon, it
must be over forty years old!)
As a footnote:-
The recent practice of issuing parking
tickets to vehicles parked along the side of the A5 in an area historically
used for parking over the last 28 years to my knowledge, without any form of
warning or signage is akin to highway robbery! Not a good way to say
"Come back and visit this beautiful area again. Stay awhile and spend
some money with the locals" now is it!
You have my permission to use any of the
above comments.
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