PLANS for a controversial enforced park and ride system in Snowdonia have been scrapped.

The Snowdonia National Park, and other agencies that form the Green Key Initiative, had wanted to force motorists to leave cars outside the park and make use of an improved bus service.

But opposition from local businesses forced the Green Key Partnership to ask consultants to look again at the proposals.

Now, instead of forcing more motorists to use the "gateway car parks" located at key villages before hopping on a bus, the consultants recommend building more car parks.

Yesterday's decision by the Snowdonia National Park Authority has been greeted with relief by tourism operators.

Mike Cousins, of the Freedom to Choose, said: "We support an increased bus service and regeneration, but these compulsory methods will have a disastrous effect.

"There is a parking problem on a small number of days each year in a small number of places, but the proposal to close car parks would not cure this problem.

"Business in Snowdonia has taken a severe beating from foot-and-mouth and this scheme, had it been implemented, would have finished off the survivors."

National Park chief executive Iwan Huws said: "We have certainly learned from this consultation process. We welcome this report as a positive way to move forward."

He said the consultants had concluded the park and ride concept was not suitable to regenerate and further develop the tourism product of Northern Snowdonia.

But Mr Huws said shuttle bus services should continue to be provided.

He said: "There will always be circumstances, for instance, through the Llanberis Pass, where the availability of parking will never be adequate to satisfy the peak visitor demands. In these circumstances dedicated shuttle services are justified and should continue to be provided.

"Likewise, park and ride will become important as the popularity of the Welsh Highland Railway increases."

The consultants recommend more car parking should be provided at Pen y Gwryd and in the Ogwen Valley and that a new overflow facility at Pen y Gwryd be created to match the one existing in Nant Peris.

Their report recommends short-stay parking should be free but long-stay visits charged.

Cycle ways and network of low level paths should be developed.

As a result of the consultants report there will be a further round of public consultation during the next few months.

Chairman of the Snowdonia Green Key Executive Group, Gwynedd Councillor Dafydd Iwan added: "From now on, this initiative, if it is to succeed in its purpose, must be developed with the cooperation and active support of the local community and in close consultation with all interested parties."

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