Tourism hotspot England cracking down on buses due to escalating visitation influx, restricting access to so-called most picturesque village.
In an effort to alleviate an escalating influx of tourists, the picturesque village of Bibury in the Cotswold region of England has decided to restrict coach access, effective this Friday.
A new sign, prohibiting coaches from parking within the village, will be erected in Bibury—famed for its 14th-century thatched-roof cottages and tranquil water meadow—located in Gloucestershire. Instead, buses will be guided to designated zones outside the village center for drop-offs and pick-ups.
With a population of 700 residents, the idyllic village has seen up to 20,000 visitors during weekends, resulting in as many as 50 coaches crammed into the small village. This influx has caused tension with locals, at times leading to disputes and even violent encounters, such as an incident where a man's foot was accidentally run over in a parking dispute.
These restrictions mark the start of a trial plan aimed at safeguarding the village, which artist William Morris once dubbed the 'most beautiful village in England.' The Gloucestershire County Council contends that the decision was reached after consultations with coach operators, local business owners, and residents to devise a workable solution. The move comes shortly after plans to construct a permanent coach parking facility were abandoned due to community opposition.
Councillor Stephen Davies, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, expressed his stance on the matter in March, stating, 'Though these proposals may not be popular with coach operators, we are resolute in finding a solution that allows coach tourists to visit Bibury while ensuring their safety and that of the village.'
New council leader Lisa Spivey underscored public safety as the primary goal behind the trial, citing an increase in unsafe coach movements and the risk they pose to pedestrians and other road users.
In response to the trial, visitors arriving by car are being advised to park responsibly. A council spokesperson shared concerns about irresponsible parking, saying it endangers others and diminishes the appeal of this historic village, and that vehicles violating restrictions could face penalty charges.
The newly implemented measures have designated the area opposite the Bibury Trout Farm exclusively for coach drop-offs, while visitors in their own vehicles must utilize the official car park or find parking on unrestricted sections of the street.
The popularity of Bibury, boosted in part by social media influencers, has led to an increase in tourism, creating issues like overcrowding, safety risks, and strained relations between tourists and locals. In response to these challenges, the county council is exploring alternative parking areas outside the village and encouraging more eco-friendly transportation options, such as walking, cycling, public transport, or minibusses.
Despite facing similar challenges, other villages in the Cotswold region, such as Bourton-on-the-Water—known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds'—have also implemented coach bans, stirring controversy. In one such case, some locals feared that the ban would turn the village into a ghost town, while others argued it was necessary to manage and maintain a welcoming yet safe environment for both residents and tourists.
- The councillor of Gloucestershire, Stephen Davies, has proposed a solution for alleviating the influx of coach tourists in Bibury, stating that their safety and that of the village are paramount.
- The trial plan aims to safeguard the beautiful destination of Bibury, known as the 'most beautiful village in England,' by restricting coach access and promoting eco-friendly transportation options.
- Visitors arriving in their own vehicles are advised to park responsibly to ensure public safety and preserve the appeal of the historic village.
- Other villages in the Cotswold region, like Bourton-on-the-Water, have also imposed coach bans, leading to debates about the impact on local businesses and tourist enjoyment.
- To mitigate the challenges arising from tourism, the county council is considering alternative parking areas outside Bibury and encouraging lifestyle choices like walking, cycling, public transport, or minibus tours, thus fostering a sustainable tourism ecosystem for all parties involved.
