Bibury, the picturesque Cotswold village famed for Arlington Row, is grappling with persistent traffic problems attributed to the growing number of tourists. Despite measures introduced by Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), including a trial drop-off point for coaches intended to reduce congestion, locals report that some coach operators are ignoring these guidelines, parking wherever they please and contributing to chaotic scenes.
Kris Watts, a resident for ten years, expressed increasing frustration over the situation. She captured footage last Friday (August 21) showing an Excelsior coach parked on the left side of the road rather than using the designated drop-off area. “This has got to stop,” she declared in the video. Watts detailed how the parked coach obstructed visibility coming from the Swan Bridge side, forcing passengers to cross the road bridge amid traffic.
“The coach bays on the other side were empty, yet they just don’t take any notice,” she added. The video also showed a van seemingly ‘abandoned’ roadside while the driver explored the village, further adding to bottlenecks.
READ MORE: Flooding Closes Road Near Gloucester Cemetery, Drivers Urged to Use Alternative Routes
Watts believes the situation has worsened since the Covid pandemic, partly due to influencers posting idyllic images and videos of Bibury that do not reflect the traffic congestion visitors encounter. “People are posting reels showing an idyllic traffic-free village, and then when you get here, it’s absolutely rammed,” she said.
Bibury Parish Council chairman Craig Chapman suggested implementing a weight restriction on the Swan Bridge as a long-term solution. The existing removal of coach parking bays near the bridge addressed safety concerns caused by reversing coaches; however, the experimental drop-off bays have not fully resolved traffic issues. “Bibury is not suited to large tourist coaches crossing the single-track Swan Bridge,” Chapman said. He awaits a full structural report from GCC on the bridge, which may facilitate the introduction of a 17-tonne weight limit, exempting public transport buses.
Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, acknowledged that new coach drop-off points were established following detailed consultations with residents, businesses, and coach operators, prioritising safety. He expressed disappointment that some drivers continue to drop passengers elsewhere rather than using designated zones. “These drop-off points help reduce congestion and improve safety for everyone,” Whyborn said.
He confirmed that GCC is reviewing longer-term options for managing traffic and coach movements, including ongoing inspections of Swan Bridge. The council remains committed to developing effective strategies that balance the needs of residents, visitors, and local businesses, promising to keep the community informed as progress is made.
Excelsior Coaches has been contacted for comment but has yet to respond.