Drivers who parked badly at a popular spot in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) got a shock when they found their cars were gone after a hike. Over the Easter holiday, a number of cars parked illegally were taken away in a police operation.
Police vehicles and tow trucks came to take the cars from the side of the A5 in Pen-y-Pass and Ogwen Valley, something that has happened previously.
Even though there are big signs telling people not to park there, some drivers still did it and it’s sparked a debate on social media. Some people said they were happy with what North Wales Police did in Eryri. Nancy Clark wrote: “There is an attitude that some people feel they can do what they like, disregarding the impact their actions have on others”, reports the Manchester Evening News.
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“Well done Wales police for enforcing rules that keep everyone safe.” Bridget De Botte said: “They have no respect when they park at beauty spots they just dump their cars. I’m glad the they have been towed away. Have consideration for others when you park in future.” For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter
Jo Orme simply suggested, “don’t park illegally and you won’t have your car taken”, while June Chan had no sympathy for the drivers either, adding: “If you don’t follow the rules what do you except. Serves them right. Towing is the only way to do it. Give them a parking ticket and it’s ignored.”
Jonathan Bonser agreed that it, “serves them right”, and Nigel Spencer pointed out that the motorists were to blame: “It is alright trying to pass the blame on to someone else,” he commented. “You have to work with the rules as they are and if you park illegally you have to suffer the consequences. Just think of the stress those parking illegally will have caused other people travelling in the area.”
Some thought the police did a good job and should do the same in other places. Ian Morris said this should happen in the Peak District, Dawn Teago Hill wanted it in the Lake District, and Anne Townsend said Dove Stone Reservoir needed it too. Others laughed about it, with Paul Ryan joking: “It will not bother them, they love walking.”
Brett Galloway also joked: “Wish I had a tow truck. Could you imagine how much money you could make every weekend?” Get the best user experience with WalesOnline’s Premium app on Apple or Android
But some people felt bad for the drivers who lost their cars. Fiona Cogan said there should be more parking spaces. She added: “Visitors should be prepared to pay for this. The money must go into further improvements to avoid this mayhem.”
Diana Fielding said: “Having not been there myself I’m not sure of the parking arrangements. But this seems rather mean penalising people for wanting to exercise and keep healthy. I’m sure there is a better way to manage the problem.”
A spokesperson for North Wales Police explained why they had to act over Easter: “Irresponsible parking not only endangers pedestrians, cyclists and other road users but also prevents emergency vehicle access. We have previously witnessed pedestrians with young children having to walk in the road in areas such as Llyn Ogwen and Pen-y-Pass because of the selfish actions of a minority, this is clearly unacceptable.”
