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SNOWDONIA National Park is to think again about
parts of its controversial Green Key Initiative after a report questioned
the feasibility of its park and ride scheme.
The park authority has agreed "the
emphasis, direction and means by which the Initiative is implemented must
change"
But Peter Ogden, who chairs the management
group of the Green Key Partnership, was quick to point out: "We
are not scrapping the park and ride scheme.
"People have assumed the park and ride
scheme would be compulsory, which the report concludes would not be
justified.
"But there is still scope for enhancing
public transport services and the park and ride scheme could still prove
useful."
The park's original plan had been to
introduce an integrated transport strategy where a key aim was to reduce
visitors' use of cars.
But after extensive study, the report
concluded the economic benefit of the park and ride scheme was not as high
as had been originally predicted.
The report advised the park authority that it
need not rely exclusively on the introduction of a fully-integrated
transportation policy but should focus on a sustainable tourism strategy for
the region which accommodates the needs and interests of different user
groups.
The report did not recommend the abandonment
of the Green Key Initiative, but suggested upgrading the existing Sherpa
system - small shuttle buses that provide a frequent service in the park.
It also advises looking closely at parking
arrangements and recommended that in areas such as Betws-y-Coed and Capel
Curig, car parks should be extended.
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