Police have issued a furious condemnation of tourists who flocked to Snowdonia during a severe storm, abandoning their vehicles in dangerous locations to take photographs for social media.
Roads Turned Hazardous by 'Ridiculous Parking'
As Storm Goretti battered parts of the UK with snow, ice, and hurricane-force winds, hordes of visitors descended on the Snowdonia (Eryri) national park. Their aim was to capture picturesque winter scenes, but their actions created serious hazards. North Wales Police reported that hundreds of cars were dumped along snowbound roads, with drivers ignoring clear warnings not to stop.
This "ridiculous parking" forced pedestrians into the path of oncoming traffic and critically hampered access for emergency services at a time when conditions were already treacherous. Officers warned that any vehicles left in a dangerous manner could be towed, provided it was safe to carry out the operation in the wintry weather.
Copycat Mentality and Rescue Warnings Ignored
Inspector Jason Diamond of North Wales Police said the behaviour witnessed over the weekend was both irresponsible and disappointing. He explained that many drivers exhibited a copycat mentality, parking where others had simply because they saw cars already there, without considering the safety implications.
"We understand that the area is outstandingly beautiful - even more so with a blanket of snow, but common sense must still prevail," Inspector Diamond stated. He highlighted that such actions needlessly increase the demand on emergency and volunteer mountain rescue teams, who should be focusing on genuine crises.
Simultaneously, despite an avalanche warning being issued by the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team, so-called brazen hikers were spotted attempting to climb Snowdon itself.
Local Leaders Echo Safety Pleas
Local authorities reinforced the police's message. Gwynedd Councillor Craig ab Iago urged visitors to plan ahead and show respect. "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," he said.
He also warned that weather in mountainous regions can change rapidly, disrupting roads and public transport, and advised people to check forecasts diligently before travelling. Inspector Diamond added that creating more parking in a protected national park landscape was not a simple solution, noting "Building car parks in a national park is far more complicated than it sounds."
The incident occurred as Storm Goretti caused widespread disruption across the UK. In a separate tragic event linked to the storm, a man in his 50s died in Cornwall after a tree fell onto his caravan on Thursday evening. The country now braces for further impacts, with yellow warnings for snow and ice in place and concerns that melting snow combined with heavy rain could lead to more flooding.
