The picturesque village of Bibury, known as ‘England’s prettiest village’, has been plagued by overtourism issues, causing chaos and distress for its residents. The influx of tourists has led to constant traffic jams, illegal parking, and even a resident’s foot being run over. Despite its serene portrayal on social media, the day-to-day reality for villagers includes dealing with the overwhelming impact of overtourism.
Mark Honeyball, a resident of Bibury, described the situation as “beyond a joke” after a driver parked on the pavement ran over his foot during a dispute over parking. As a response to the growing concerns, a working group consisting of local authorities and councils has been established to address the overtourism crisis.
Efforts to manage the situation include discouraging large coaches from visiting the village, promoting the use of minibuses, and relocating signage to direct traffic to designated parking areas. The working group is also considering various long-term measures, such as banning coach parking in Bibury, improving traffic management through clear signage, and upgrading public pathways for the safety and convenience of pedestrians and cyclists.
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North Cotswold MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown acknowledged the challenges faced by Bibury and expressed support for the village’s actions to address the impact of overtourism.