New ANPR parking to tackle 'lawlessness' at iconic Welsh beach and forest
A new barrierless parking system is to be introduced at a famous Anglesey beach to curb soaring levels of illegal camping. A forest behind Traeth Llanddwyn is said to be at 'significant' risk from camp fires and illicit barbecues.
Wardens patrolling the area do their best to move on groups of wild campers despite 'abuse and threats'. BBQs are banned in the area but a fire broke out in Newborough forest last week when campers set light to bone-dry pine needles.
The 2,500-acre forest is part of a National Reserve and there are concerns a major fire would devastate local wildlife, including red squirrels. Residents in the nearby village of Newborough claim the forest has become 'lawless' and and worry a runaway blaze would threaten nearby homes.
In May, brutal new parking charges were introduced at the reserve, popularised on social media after gaining fame from the TV series House of the Dragon. This was designed to curb visitor numbers and so bring relief to a village often brought to a standstill by vehicles queuing to reach the sandy beach and its iconic island.
Now site manager Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is planning to install a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system later this year.
It will operate in a similar fashion to the pay-later barrierless arrangements at Mersey Gateway Bridge and Manchester Airport. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community
This way, NRW will be able to identify vehicles parking up overnight and so allow the environment body to clamp down on wild camping. A barrier will be retained along the exit road – not for payments but to control traffic flows through the village.
(Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group)
A spokesperson said: 'The new system will provide CCTV which will assist with reporting and investigating anti-social behaviour. It will allow us to monitor and issue fines for those parking overnight in our car parks.
'Overnight camping remains prohibited and during this summer we have increased patrols and responded to a number of call-outs from the public to deal with illegal camping.'
Local people have been flagging Llanddwyn's 'selfish and incredibly dangerous' campers for some time, calling for more warden patrols and large on-the-spot fines.
Some visitors camp on the beach or in the car park, many string up tents between trees in the forest itself.
(Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group)
Last year's out-of-control fire wasn't the first this summer. 'If it carries on, we won't have a forest,' said a worried local online.
Another added: 'I hate going down first thing in the morning because you see are the entitled campers and I get so angry.'
He's not the only one. 'Car park rammed with over-nighters again!' sighed a local this week. 'Lawless Llanddwyn!'
Half in jest, some residents have talked of taking action themselves – one idea involved broadcasting loud music in the forest through the night to deter campers.
NRW wardens – often locals themselves – risk patrolling the forest at night. It can be hazardous.
A resident who spoke to them said: 'I'm sure the rangers would prefer to be at home with their families rather than spending the night in the forest worrying about the forest getting burned down and risking abuse or being assaulted.
"Would you want to confront a bunch of pi**ed-up idiots late at night?' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday
(Image: Chloe Anneva)
After parking in one of three car parks in the forest, visitors currently pay up to £15 per day at exit barriers at the edge of the reserve. Not only does this system fail to identify overnight stayers, the barrier can malfunction.
Occasionally, height barriers designed to deter motorhomes are wrecked by drivers, usually due to complacency rather than malice.
NRW is reportedly waiting until the busy summer season is over before installing its new cameras in case of teething problems. Not everyone is convinced they'll make a difference.
A resident said not all campers park in the reserve itself, instead picking spots in and around the village itself. Last weekend he said: 'On Saturday evening we saw people walking (into the forest) with camping gear.' It is quite a haul, however.
(Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group)
For years the main beach car park at Llanddwyn had a designated BBQ area. This summer the facility was closed down and replaced with a picnic area, in line with a wider BBQ ban in the reserve.
Local people suspect it's made matters worse, encouraging campers to light BBQs on the beach and in the forest instead.
On Thursday (August 14) NRW was forced to issue the latest in a long line of safety messages on social media. These reminded visitors there is now a 'full ban in place for all barbecues and fires following a rise in fire-related incidents'.
NRW has yet to set of a date for the barrierless APNR cameras. A spokesperson said: 'The new system will enable users to manage car park payments via an app, as well as handle season tickets and registration for local users.
'Barrierless entry systems provide easier access for emergency vehicles and help reduce the technical issues we have experienced with our current system.
'There will be an exit barrier to help manage traffic flow back into the village. We will monitor any changes resulting from the new system and assess how it impacts traffic in the village.'
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Wales Online
10 hours ago
- Wales Online
New ANPR parking to tackle 'lawlessness' at iconic Welsh beach and forest
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A new barrierless parking system is to be introduced at a famous Anglesey beach to curb soaring levels of illegal camping. A forest behind Traeth Llanddwyn is said to be at 'significant' risk from camp fires and illicit barbecues. Wardens patrolling the area do their best to move on groups of wild campers despite 'abuse and threats'. BBQs are banned in the area but a fire broke out in Newborough forest last week when campers set light to bone-dry pine needles. The 2,500-acre forest is part of a National Reserve and there are concerns a major fire would devastate local wildlife, including red squirrels. Residents in the nearby village of Newborough claim the forest has become 'lawless' and and worry a runaway blaze would threaten nearby homes. In May, brutal new parking charges were introduced at the reserve, popularised on social media after gaining fame from the TV series House of the Dragon. This was designed to curb visitor numbers and so bring relief to a village often brought to a standstill by vehicles queuing to reach the sandy beach and its iconic island. Now site manager Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is planning to install a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system later this year. It will operate in a similar fashion to the pay-later barrierless arrangements at Mersey Gateway Bridge and Manchester Airport. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community This way, NRW will be able to identify vehicles parking up overnight and so allow the environment body to clamp down on wild camping. A barrier will be retained along the exit road – not for payments but to control traffic flows through the village. (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) A spokesperson said: 'The new system will provide CCTV which will assist with reporting and investigating anti-social behaviour. It will allow us to monitor and issue fines for those parking overnight in our car parks. 'Overnight camping remains prohibited and during this summer we have increased patrols and responded to a number of call-outs from the public to deal with illegal camping.' Local people have been flagging Llanddwyn's 'selfish and incredibly dangerous' campers for some time, calling for more warden patrols and large on-the-spot fines. Some visitors camp on the beach or in the car park, many string up tents between trees in the forest itself. (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) Last year's out-of-control fire wasn't the first this summer. 'If it carries on, we won't have a forest,' said a worried local online. Another added: 'I hate going down first thing in the morning because you see are the entitled campers and I get so angry.' He's not the only one. 'Car park rammed with over-nighters again!' sighed a local this week. 'Lawless Llanddwyn!' Half in jest, some residents have talked of taking action themselves – one idea involved broadcasting loud music in the forest through the night to deter campers. NRW wardens – often locals themselves – risk patrolling the forest at night. It can be hazardous. A resident who spoke to them said: 'I'm sure the rangers would prefer to be at home with their families rather than spending the night in the forest worrying about the forest getting burned down and risking abuse or being assaulted. "Would you want to confront a bunch of pi**ed-up idiots late at night?' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday (Image: Chloe Anneva) After parking in one of three car parks in the forest, visitors currently pay up to £15 per day at exit barriers at the edge of the reserve. Not only does this system fail to identify overnight stayers, the barrier can malfunction. Occasionally, height barriers designed to deter motorhomes are wrecked by drivers, usually due to complacency rather than malice. NRW is reportedly waiting until the busy summer season is over before installing its new cameras in case of teething problems. Not everyone is convinced they'll make a difference. A resident said not all campers park in the reserve itself, instead picking spots in and around the village itself. Last weekend he said: 'On Saturday evening we saw people walking (into the forest) with camping gear.' It is quite a haul, however. (Image: Llanddwyn & Forest Support Group) For years the main beach car park at Llanddwyn had a designated BBQ area. This summer the facility was closed down and replaced with a picnic area, in line with a wider BBQ ban in the reserve. Local people suspect it's made matters worse, encouraging campers to light BBQs on the beach and in the forest instead. On Thursday (August 14) NRW was forced to issue the latest in a long line of safety messages on social media. These reminded visitors there is now a 'full ban in place for all barbecues and fires following a rise in fire-related incidents'. NRW has yet to set of a date for the barrierless APNR cameras. A spokesperson said: 'The new system will enable users to manage car park payments via an app, as well as handle season tickets and registration for local users. 'Barrierless entry systems provide easier access for emergency vehicles and help reduce the technical issues we have experienced with our current system. 'There will be an exit barrier to help manage traffic flow back into the village. We will monitor any changes resulting from the new system and assess how it impacts traffic in the village.' Find the weather forecast where you live
North Wales Live
19 hours ago
- North Wales Live
New ANPR parking to tackle 'lawlessness' at iconic Welsh beach and forest
A new barrierless parking system is to be introduced at a famous Anglesey beach to curb soaring levels of illegal camping. A forest behind Traeth Llanddwyn is said to be at 'significant' risk from camp fires and illicit barbecues. Wardens patrolling the area do their best to move on groups of wild campers despite 'abuse and threats'. BBQs are banned in the area but a fire broke out in Newborough forest last week when campers set light to bone-dry pine needles. The 2,500-acre forest is part of a National Reserve and there are concerns a major fire would devastate local wildlife, including red squirrels. Residents in the nearby village of Newborough claim the forest has become 'lawless' and and worry a runaway blaze would threaten nearby homes. In May, brutal new parking charges were introduced at the reserve, popularised on social media after gaining fame from the TV series House of the Dragon. This was designed to curb visitor numbers and so bring relief to a village often brought to a standstill by vehicles queuing to reach the sandy beach and its iconic island. Now site manager Natural Resources Wales (NRW) is planning to install a new Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) parking system later this year. It will operate in a similar fashion to the pay-later barrierless arrangements at Mersey Gateway Bridge and Manchester Airport. This way, NRW will be able to identify vehicles parking up overnight and so allow the environment body to clamp down on wild camping. A barrier will be retained along the exit road – not for payments but to control traffic flows through the village. A spokesperson said: 'The new system will provide CCTV which will assist with reporting and investigating anti-social behaviour. It will allow us to monitor and issue fines for those parking overnight in our car parks. 'Overnight camping remains prohibited and during this summer we have increased patrols and responded to a number of call-outs from the public to deal with illegal camping.' Local people have been flagging Llanddwyn's 'selfish and incredibly dangerous' campers for some time, calling for more warden patrols and large on-the-spot fines. Some visitors camp on the beach or in the car park, many string up tents between trees in the forest itself. Last year's out-of-control fire wasn't the first this summer. 'If it carries on, we won't have a forest,' said a worried local online. Another added: 'I hate going down first thing in the morning because you see are the entitled campers and I get so angry.' He's not the only one. 'Car park rammed with over-nighters again!' sighed a local this week. 'Lawless Llanddwyn!' Half in jest, some residents have talked of taking action themselves – one idea involved broadcasting loud music in the forest through the night to deter campers. NRW wardens – often locals themselves – risk patrolling the forest at night. It can be hazardous. A resident who spoke to them said: 'I'm sure the rangers would prefer to be at home with their families rather than spending the night in the forest worrying about the forest getting burned down and risking abuse or being assaulted. "Would you want to confront a bunch of pi**ed-up idiots late at night?' Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday After parking in one of three car parks in the forest, visitors currently pay up to £15 per day at exit barriers at the edge of the reserve. Not only does this system fail to identify overnight stayers, the barrier can malfunction. Occasionally, height barriers designed to deter motorhomes are wrecked by drivers, usually due to complacency rather than malice. NRW is reportedly waiting until the busy summer season is over before installing its new cameras in case of teething problems. Not everyone is convinced they'll make a difference. A resident said not all campers park in the reserve itself, instead picking spots in and around the village itself. Last weekend he said: 'On Saturday evening we saw people walking (into the forest) with camping gear.' It is quite a haul, however. For years the main beach car park at Llanddwyn had a designated BBQ area. This summer the facility was closed down and replaced with a picnic area, in line with a wider BBQ ban in the reserve. Local people suspect it's made matters worse, encouraging campers to light BBQs on the beach and in the forest instead. On Thursday (August 14) NRW was forced to issue the latest in a long line of safety messages on social media. These reminded visitors there is now a 'full ban in place for all barbecues and fires following a rise in fire-related incidents'. NRW has yet to set of a date for the barrierless APNR cameras. A spokesperson said: 'The new system will enable users to manage car park payments via an app, as well as handle season tickets and registration for local users. 'Barrierless entry systems provide easier access for emergency vehicles and help reduce the technical issues we have experienced with our current system. 'There will be an exit barrier to help manage traffic flow back into the village. We will monitor any changes resulting from the new system and assess how it impacts traffic in the village.'
North Wales Live
a day ago
- North Wales Live
'Unpleasant' visitors tombstoning into fast-flowing river causing havoc at Eryri tourist hotspot
A tourist hotspot in Eryri (Snowdonia) is seeing a tombstoning revival linked to an influx of 'unpleasant' visitors. Jumping from an historic bridge in Betws-y-Coed is a cherished local tradition but in recent years the practice has been discouraged. North Wales Police officers have begun patrolling the area around Pont-y-Pair bridge, a narrow road crossing over the Afon Llugwy built more than 500 years ago. It follows complaints that groups of young yobs have been 'causing havoc' on the bridge and acting in a 'hostile' manner while jumping 20ft into the water below. Due to the health and safety risks, at one point the area was covered by a Police Public Space Protection Order. A CCTV camera was installed with jumpers threatened with fines up to £100. But the camera is no longer active and the local byelaw has expired. Last week a multi-agency meeting was held in the Conwy village to discuss 'social disorder and bridge jumping' - and to see if restrictions can again be imposed. Betws-y-Coed Community Council accepted the tombstoning tradition has been going on since 'time in memoriam'. But, in a statement, the council said: 'In recent times there has been a noticeable marked shift in behaviour and the characters it attracts, which contributes to social disorder, drug usage and alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.' Trouble broke out last month when a large group of visiting youngsters descended on the village. Councillors heard the 'unpleasant experience' was accompanied by threatening behaviour as the visitors jumped into the river. They 'caused havoc by blocking the bridge to traffic' and, when they left, the area was strewn with litter. At last week's meeting, Natural Resources Wales staff described related incidents at Llyn Geirionydd near Trefriw and the Miner's Bridge near Betws-y-Coed where groups of young people are wild camping and lighting fires. They said 'alcohol and open use of recreational drug use is a common occurrence'. This summer's good weather is thought to have fuelled an uptick in bridge jumping. It's not without risk: a recent BBC episode of SOS: Extreme Rescues featured a 24-year-old man who was badly injured after jumping from Pont-y-Pair. His predicament was dire because the Coastguard helicopter was unable to winch a stretcher into the narrow gorge. With other mountain rescue teams already tied up on callouts, it was left to a small group of six volunteers to get him on a stretcher and across the fast-flowing river. Conwy Council has pledged to research other byelaws in the community to see if any of them can be applied to bridge, and find out who has powers of enforcement. Such is the depth of concern in the village, the community council is prepared to dip into its funds to find a solution. They said: 'The community council will obtain a cost for the installation of CCTV which will be live monitored at the patrol room. 'If the CCTV camera was to be replaced and live monitored, the police would respond to an alert from the camera control room staff.'
