Coach restrictions introduced for tourist village
BBCRestrictions have been announced on coaches entering a village which is visited by huge numbers of tourists each year.
The village of Bibury, in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, can sometimes see as many as 20,000 visitors in a weekend, and up to 50 coaches parking there in a day, with angry clashes reported in the past.
A working group made up of Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council, the police and Bibury Parish Council, has recommended changing parking bays to stop coaches waiting on the B4425.
Longer term, further restrictions on parking have been recommended.
Chairman of Bibury Parish Council Craig Chapman said: "The pressures put on us by the sheer volume of tourists visiting and coaches bringing tourists has become intolerable and unacceptable.
"It is a fact that Bibury is not a suitable destination for larger coaches."
Some residents have told the BBC that clashes over parking have led to assaults.
The small village has two coach parking bays next to a bridge over the River Coln, which has a weight limit of 7.5 tonnes, but many coaches are exempt.
Coaches trying to park have also damaged bollards.
In the long term, the group is recommending the following:
- Exploring opportunities to stop coaches stopping and parking.
- Installing clear signage to manage traffic efficiently and directing coaches away from narrow roads.
- Reviewing weight restrictions on the bridge.
- Encouraging minibus and public transportation, as well as walking and cycling.
- Looking at potential areas outside the village for coach parking.
Gloucestershire County Council leader Stephen Davies said: "We understand that these proposals may not be popular with coach operators, however we are determined to work to find a solution for coach tourists to be able to visit Bibury."
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