Police have hit out at Instagram-loving tourists for their ‘ridiculous parking’ on a Welsh mountain blanketed with snow.
Hordes of visitors flocked to Snowdonia, North Wales, in a bid to snap the picturesque winter wonderland landscape to share with others online.
But many ignored the parking warning issued by the local police force, urging them to avoid leaving their cars on the side of the icy mountain road.
North Wales Police warned that by doing so, motorists were putting others at risk of ‘serious’ personal injury and ‘pushing them into the paths of oncoming vehicles’.
The force warned drivers who put others on the road at risk by leaving their cars could see them be towed away if they can be removed safely.
It comes as Storm Goretti has battered parts of Britain in recent days, with one man in his 50s dying after a tree fell onto his caravan amid the hurricane-force winds.
Emergency services were called to the Mawgan area of Helston, Cornwall, at around 7.35pm on Thursday after a tree fell. Officers worked through Friday to safely remove it from the mobile home.
Meanwhile, Cornwall has been battered with gusts of up to 100mph as parts of Britain brace for further snow and flooding after the storm.
Police have hit out at Instagram-loving tourists for their ‘ridiculous’ parking on Snowdon while it has been covered with snow
North Wales Police said motorists were increasing the risk of injury to others as well as pushing cars into oncoming traffic
Inspector Jason Diamond, of North Wales Police, described the behaviour of drivers in Snowdonia over the last weekend as ‘irresponsible’ and ‘disappointing’.
Elaborating further, he said visitors adopted a ‘if they do it, I’ll do it’ attitude to parking on the icy roadside, increasing the risk of injury for themselves as well as others.
‘We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail,’ he said.
The Inspector said leaving cars along the ‘snow-lined carriageways’ only pushed others into the path of oncoming cars and ups the risk of ‘serious’ injuries.
‘We seldom get snow flurries like we have seen in recent days, so our general motoring public are not used to driving on snow and ice, ‘he said.
‘So irresponsible behaviour for the benefit of a walk or some Instagram photos increases the demand on our emergency and volunteer services who could be focusing on dealing with real emergencies.’
And while he explained towing cars was always an option, the move had to be risk-assessed in the wintry conditions.
‘Building car parks in a national park is far more complicated than it sounds,’ he added further.
He urged those planning on visiting the area, now officially known as Eryri, to familiarise themselves with the weather and to follow Met Office updates.
‘If you do intend on visiting the area, please make sure you park responsibly and sensibly,’ he said.
Meanwhile, Inspector Jason Diamond, of North Wales Police, warned drivers irresponsibly parking at the tourist site to expect their vehicles could be towed (Pictured: Snowdonia)
‘Local authorities will be sending their enforcement officers out and will be issuing notices to any vehicles illegally parked.’
Gwynedd Councillor Craig ab Iago said: ‘The recent snow and ice have created some beautiful scenes and a wonderful atmosphere here in Gwynedd, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it safely.
‘If you are coming to areas such as Pen y Pass to walk or to enjoy the views, please plan your visit carefully and respect others and our communities.
‘We are asking people to park responsibly and not block the road for others.. Our officers will be working with partners from other authorities with the aim of keeping the road clear.
‘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.’
