Police criticise ‘ridiculous’ parking by motorists at snowy Eryri

Police have pleaded with motorists to avoid parking their vehicles in “ridiculous” locations to check out the snow-covered scenery in Wales’ largest national park.

Insp Jason Diamond from North Wales Police said vehicles could ultimately be seized if there was more “irresponsible behaviour” after drivers parked on roadsides in Eryri, also known as Snowdonia, to go for walks and take “Instagram photos” last weekend.

A yellow warning for ice covers large parts of Wales until midday on Saturday after Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption.

Mountain rescuers warned earlier this week about “possible avalanches, particularly where paths run close to steep ground”.

Diamond said: “We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail.

“Leaving vehicles at edges of snow lined carriageways and pushing others into the paths of oncoming vehicles at best increases the risk of coming back to a damaged vehicle, but at worst, hugely increases the risk of serious personal injury.

“Seizing vehicles left in dangerous situations, whilst always an option, needs to be risk managed in such conditions.

“Whilst some may not be, we are always working with safety in mind.”

He said council bosses would be “sending their enforcement officers out and will be issuing notices to any vehicles illegally parked”.

Councillor Craig ab Iago from Cyngor Gwynedd advised people planning to visit popular places like Pen y Pass to “park responsibly and not block the road for others”, and consider using its Sherpa’r Wyddfa bus service.

“Our officers will be working with partners from other authorities with the aim of keeping the road clear,” he said.

“Because of the mountainous and rural nature of the area, visitors should also remember that the weather can affect the roads, which has a knock-on effect on public transport.

“Please check the weather forecast and road information before setting off.”