Eryri National Park has paused a decision to ban overnight parking at nine of its car parks after concerns were raised by locals and visitors over rogue campers.
Covering a total of 823 square miles, Eryri is Wales’ largest national park, welcoming nearly four million visitors a year, many of whom seek to summit Wales’ highest peak Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon).
The majority of Eryri’s car parks have been operational 24 hours day for visitors, but a decision was made to prohibit parking overnight in 11 of its car parks from 1 April to try to tackle a rise in unauthorised camping in campervans and motorhomes staying the night.
Using car parks as motorhome and van camping sites caused anti-social behaviour and increased littering, while failing to support the legitimate camping sites in the area.
The Eryri National Park Authority imposed car parking restrictions between 10pm and 3am at its car parks to try to tackle this, while Llyn Tegid and Llangywer car parks adopted a restricted period between 10pm and 6am.
The Pen-y-pass and Nant Peris car parks, popular for their access to Yr Wyddfa, as well as the Cae Llan car park near the picturesque village of Betws y Coed, continued to offer 24-hour parking.
During the ban, locals who live within Eryri said that the anti-social behaviour and littering issues only moved to laybys and other car parks.
It was also noted that the operational hours were hindering parkgoers who wanted to enjoy the sunrise, sunset or night skies at Eryri.
The authority said that finding a long-term solution to this problem is “not straightforward” and that talks with stakeholders are needed in order to solve the unauthorised camping in car parks, while also not impacting local communities.
One recommendation was to carry out a trial at Llyn Tegid and Llangywer car parks, closing them between 1am and 3am, with anyone found in the car parks at that time given a penalty fine.
The authority approved this trial on Wednesday morning, along with the suspension of the overnight parking ban at nine of its car parks.
A spokesperson for Eryri National Park said that the reopening of the car parks at night does not mean that any rules have been changed surrounding campervans and motorhomes using them as camping spots.
“The Authority’s decision yesterday does not represent a change in policy and has always been the approach regarding its car parks, as overnight stays have never been permitted,” they said.
“Eryri National Park Authority strongly encourages campervan and motorhome users to make use of the many designated campsites available within and around the National Park, helping to support local businesses and the rural economy while providing appropriate facilities for visitors.
“Following further consideration and feedback from a range of users and stakeholders, the Authority is proposing to maintain 24-hour access at the vast majority of its car parks while undertaking a wider review of overnight camping and parking issues across Eryri.
“This work will seek to balance opportunities for people to enjoy the National Park, including activities such as stargazing and viewing sunrises and sunsets, with the need to address issues such as litter, waste, anti-social behaviour and impacts on local communities, businesses and the environment.”
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