Dozens of drivers have had their vehicles towed away after parking “dangerously” on narrow mountain roads in Snowdonia.
Almost 40 vehicles were removed by police on Good Friday, with 29 parked near Llyn Ogwen and a further nine in Pen y Pass, at the bottom of Snowdon.
North Wales Police has criticised “irresponsible” drivers for risking lives by parking in spots which could have blocked emergency services.
Snowdonia National Park – also known as Eryri, the largest national park in Wales – attracts 4 million visitors every year, with hundreds arriving during the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
The force tweeted on Saturday morning, saying the “irresponsible parking” in the area “not only risks lives, but prevents emergency vehicle access”.
Eryri National Park had introduced park and ride services to try and control parking along the A5 in the Ogwen valley, with double yellow lines added along both sides of the road.
Traffic Wales said the A5 was closed near Ogwen Cottage National Trust outdoor pursuits centre on Friday.
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Snowdonia: Visitors to Eryri National Park warned about parking over Easter bank holiday
Parking will continue to be monitored over the Easter weekend. Any vehicles found parked on double yellow lines or other areas where it is forbidden, or causing an obstruction, will be removed at the owner’s expense.
North Wales Police added: “Whilst we appreciate people are visiting Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park to enjoy the weather and stunning scenery this bank holiday weekend, we are urging motorists to be responsible and think about where they park and to make full use of the park and ride facilities that are available.
“We continue to work closely with our colleagues at Gwynedd Council and the Eryri National Park to help reduce the risk to walkers, cyclists and other road users.”
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Traffic Wales earlier urged motorists to “park sensibly in designated areas” after reports of a number of vehicles parked on the roadside along the A5 Bethesda to Betws-y-Coed.
“Parking wardens are out today and all vehicles parked in dangerous areas will be fined,” the Welsh government organisation tweeted on Friday.