More car parks recommended instead of channelling visitors on to buses.

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

Snowdonia National Park and other agencies that form the Green Key Initiative had wanted to force motorists to leave cars outside the park and then use an enhanced bus service.

But opposition from local businesses has prompted the initiative to ask consultants to review the plans. Now, instead of channelling motorists into "gateway car parks'', located at key villages, and then onto buses, the consultants recommend building more car parks.

Tourism operators have greeted the decision by Snowdonia National Park Authority with relief.

Mike Cousins, of 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.''

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 area's tourism. However, he advocated shuttle bus use. Mr Huws said, "There will always be circumstances, for instance through the Llanberis Park, where 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 shortstay parking should be free but longstay visits charged.

Cycleways and a network of lowlevel paths should be developed, it is recommended.

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