'England's prettiest village' may ban coaches in overtourism chaos

Bibury, often dubbed “England’s prettiest village,” is facing a crisis of overtourism, prompting local authorities to consider banning coaches from the village center. 

The influx of tourists has led to severe disruptions for residents, who are now calling for immediate action to alleviate the pressure on their community.

Known for its iconic Arlington Row, Bibury has long been a magnet for visitors from around the world.

However, the village’s popularity has become a double-edged sword.

The large numbers of touring coaches bring a constant flow of tourists, causing congestion, illegal parking, and even physical altercations between frustrated locals and visitors.

Mark Honeyball, a Bibury resident and vocal advocate for resolving the overtourism issue, has reportedly been assaulted four times by drivers after asking them to move their illegally parked vehicles.

"The situation has reached a tipping point in the village, and it has become quite fraught," Honeyball told Gloucestershire Live.

He noted that recent weeks have seen an escalation in tensions, with a road safety report from Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) highlighting the village's critical state.

The GCC report identifies multiple safety concerns, including structural damage to the village’s bridge due to the high volume of coach traffic and the inadequacy of the existing coach parking bays.

The report also mentions several serious injuries resulting from traffic-related incidents in Bibury, underscoring the need for urgent action.

Craig Chapman, Chairman of the Bibury Parish Council, echoed these concerns, pointing to the severe disruption caused by the sheer volume of coaches. 

“They not only bring in large numbers of tourists who maybe stay for 30 to 40 minutes but cause massive disruption and create significant safety issues," Chapman said.

The report observed that coaches frequently block the carriageway while parking, forcing traffic to a standstill and endangering both pedestrians and drivers.

The proposed solutions include relocating coach parking areas, implementing a park-and-ride system using smaller vehicles, and establishing a priority system at the village bridge to reduce traffic congestion.

However, finding suitable locations for new parking facilities within the immediate vicinity of Bibury presents its own set of challenges.

County and District Councillor Lisa Spivey has been working with local stakeholders to find a sustainable solution.

She said: “As soon as William Morris said it was England’s prettiest village, that place was doomed to have a million people come and see it."

Spivey also pointed out that while the village’s allure draws in tourists, it does little to benefit the local community or economy, as visitors often spend only a short time in the area.

North Cotswold MP Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown has voiced support for initiatives that would address the traffic and safety concerns while balancing the needs of the local tourism economy.

“Bibury is one of the top visitor attractions in the country, which has to be a good thing for both visitors and the local tourism economy,” Clifton-Brown said.