Beauty spot villagers' plea over 'stupid' parking

Visitors to a Yorkshire Dales village plagued by traffic congestion have been urged not to "abandon your car in a stupid spot" after a popular parking field was permanently closed.

The owners of Burnsall Park said on Monday the decision to shut the facility came after complaints of anti-social behaviour, littering and illegal parking and barbecue use.

Ahead of what is set to be a hot weekend, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) said there would be "very few spaces available for visitors arriving by car" and urged tourists to plan ahead.

Ed Williams, chair of Burnsall Parish Council, said: "We honestly don't know what's going to happen this weekend. It's trepidation on our part."

He said police would work with YDNPA, council highways enforcement officers and "locals with yellow bibs" to try to keep traffic flowing this weekend.

He said they wanted to ensure the village's narrow roads were not blocked by inconsiderate parking, particularly to allow access for emergency vehicles.

"If somebody has a heart attack, we want an ambulance to get through," he said.

"It's common sense basically. Don't abandon your car in a stupid spot because that's when the problems are caused."

• Parking field in Dales beauty spot shuts permanently

Williams said the village had frequently seen "chaos" when Burnsall Park had temporarily closed in the past, including over the May bank holiday.

"Cars are still turning up, they can't get on the field and they just abandon their cars anywhere," he said.

Four years ago, roads had to be closed after queues a mile long formed on every route into the village.

"That's why we will be out early on Saturday and hopefully... stop any build-up like that," he said.

Despite a shortage of parking spaces, YDNPA chair Derek Twine said anyone visiting Burnsall by public transport or staying overnight would "still find much to enjoy".

"The Yorkshire Dales is a welcoming place and tourism is a vital part of the local economy with many businesses and communities relying on visitors," he said.

"However, that welcome must be matched by respect for the people who live and work here, and for the landscape that makes the National Park such a special place to visit."

Last month, North Yorkshire Police warned of a "strain on the existing infrastructure" caused by large numbers of visitors to the south Dales.

"There have been reports of inconsiderate and, at times, dangerous parking, with vehicles blocking narrow roads, access points and in some cases preventing emergency vehicles from getting through," said Insp Paul Crabtree.

"Blocked roads are not simply an inconvenience; they pose a serious safety risk.

"Emergency access must be kept clear at all times and enforcement action will be taken where necessary.

"However, we are asking visitors to play their part by parking responsibly and respecting the communities they are visiting."

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