The charming Cotswold village of Bibury, often hailed as England’s most beautiful village, is taking steps to manage the influx of tourists and coaches that clog its streets. Each weekend, Bibury attracts up to 20,000 visitors, with as many as 50 coaches arriving daily, causing congestion and safety concerns.
To address this, Gloucestershire County Council has launched a temporary traffic management trial over the upcoming bank holiday weekend. The trial involves closing the existing coach bays in the village center temporarily and replacing them with designated bus stops to facilitate safer passenger drop-off and pick-up.
The council collaborated closely with local coach operators, businesses, and residents to design this initiative. Lisa Spivey, the newly appointed county council leader representing South Cerney, emphasized the importance of safety: “We’ve noticed an increase in unsafe coach maneuvers, especially reversing without proper guidance, which endangers pedestrians and other road users.”
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She added, “This trial aims to prevent accidents and ensure Bibury remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone.”
Additionally, car parking opposite the trout farm will be suspended during the trial to create a secure area for coach operations. Visitors traveling by car are encouraged to use the pay and display car parks available at the trout farm and along The Street, both offering unrestricted parking.
The council also reminded visitors to park responsibly, warning that vehicles violating parking restrictions could be fined. A spokesperson stated, “Irresponsible parking not only poses risks but also harms the village’s charm and accessibility.”
These measures seek to balance Bibury’s popularity with the safety and quality of life for residents and visitors alike.