Bourton-on-the-Water, often dubbed the “Venice of the Cotswolds,” is taking decisive steps to curb coach traffic in its village centre amid rising concerns about overtourism and the “Disneyfication” of the historic community.
At a November meeting held outside Shire Hall, about 100 residents voiced their frustration over the constant influx of coaches disrupting daily life. Responding to public outcry, the Parish Council recently voted to seek an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) aimed at restricting coach access to Station Road from key entry points including the Fosseway, Rissington Road, and the Steeps.
This move builds on previous efforts to mitigate congestion, safety risks, and quality of life issues caused by unrestricted coach traffic. District Councillor Jon Wareing, a long-time advocate for traffic regulation in Bourton, highlighted that this is not a new campaign but is gaining momentum thanks to enhanced enforcement capabilities like Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology.
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“The ability to enforce these restrictions effectively removes a major historical hurdle,” noted Wareing. He emphasized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to devise sustainable solutions, pointing to successful models in Clovelly, St Ives, York, Bath, Oxford, and Cambridge.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Wareing cautioned that Bourton risks becoming like Venice — a place strained by overwhelming visitor numbers that threaten its heritage, environment, and community fabric. “We must reverse the ‘Disneyfication’ trend and adopt a tourism strategy that supports rather than displaces local life,” he said.
County Councillor Paul Hodgkinson echoed residents' concerns, particularly regarding coaches that ignore designated drop-off points at Meadow Way. Shire Hall is currently reassessing the effectiveness of this temporary measure, with another review planned for May.
“I am committed to ensuring residents’ safety and reducing disruption from coaches, while also supporting local businesses,” Hodgkinson said. “The County Council will take this request seriously and explore practical ways to move forward.”
As Bourton-on-the-Water confronts the challenges of visitor management, the initiative to restrict coach access represents a critical step toward preserving the village’s unique charm and quality of life for both residents and visitors alike.