North Wales Police have blasted tourists visiting Snowdonia mountain during Storm Goretti and subsequently filling the road with their poorly parked cars
Police have slammed Instagram-obsessed tourists after hundreds of vehicles were dumped dangerously along snowbound roads in Snowdonia as Storm Goretti battered Britain.
Hordes of visitors flocked to the Welsh mountains hoping to capture the perfect winter wonderland snap, but many ignored clear police warnings and left their cars abandoned on icy carriageways, turning beauty spots into hazards.
North Wales Police said the “ridiculous parking” put lives at risk, forcing pedestrians into oncoming traffic and hampering emergency access at a time when conditions were already treacherous.
Despite appeals urging motorists not to stop on the roadside, cars were left lining snow-covered routes as visitors piled into the national park, now officially known as Eryri. Officers warned that vehicles left dangerously could be towed away, if it was safe to do so in the wintry conditions.
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At the same time, so-called brazen hikers were spotted attempting to climb Snowdon, even though Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team had issued an avalanche warning.
The chaos unfolded as Storm Goretti tore across parts of the UK, bringing hurricane-force winds, snow and flooding. A man in his 50s tragically died after a tree fell onto his caravan in Cornwall, with emergency services called to the Mawgan area of Helston at around 7.35pm on Thursday. Officers worked through Friday to safely remove the tree from the mobile home.
Inspector Jason Diamond, of North Wales Police, said the behaviour seen in Snowdonia over the weekend was both irresponsible and disappointing, MailOnline reports.
“We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful – even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail,” he said.
Insp. Diamond explained that many drivers had adopted a copycat mentality, choosing to park where others already had, without considering the danger. He added: “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.
“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.”
The Inspector added that leaving cars along “snow-lined carriageways” only pushed other road users into the path of oncoming vehicles, significantly increasing the risk of serious injury. While towing was an option, every removal had to be carefully risk-assessed given the icy roads.
He also pointed out that expanding parking in a protected landscape was not straightforward, saying: “Building car parks in a national park is far more complicated than it sounds.”
Local leaders echoed the warnings. Gwynedd Councillor Craig ab Iago urged visitors to plan ahead and think of others, commenting: “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.”
He also warned that mountainous weather can quickly disrupt roads and public transport, urging people to check forecasts and travel information before setting off.
Meanwhile, Britain is bracing for more snow and widespread flooding, with tens of thousands still without power after Storm Goretti. Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place until Sunday, while forecasters warn that melting snow combined with heavy rain could trigger further floods.
