Police to help monitor parking at Horseshoe Falls this weekend

County council officers will be monitoring parking at Llangollen’s Horseshoe Falls and the surrounding area this bank holiday.

Denbighshire is urging visitors to the hotspot to park responsibly and think about planning ahead to visit other nearby attractions across the Dee Valley if this area is busy. 

Visitors are reminded that there is plenty of parking in the town which is an "accessible and pleasant walk" along the canal towpath to reach Horseshoe Falls.

Parking restrictions are important for both road safety and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces, and the council have installed bollards and awareness signs at the site advising drivers to park responsibly.

Civil enforcement officers will also be monitoring the site especially at predicted peak times, and motorists not complying with parking restrictions risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice.

As a World Heritage Site, Horseshoe Falls is popular amongst locals as well as tourists. Whilst visitors are welcome to bring picnics with them, barbeques are not permitted on the site.

"We’re asking all visitors to treat it, other users and the local community respectfully," said a council spokesperson.

The council are also liaising with partners including North Wales Police to monitor any increased issues at the site.

Inspector Joseph Dunn, Area Inspector for Conwy and Denbighshire Rural policing, said: “Parking at Horseshoe Falls was raised as a real concern for people living and working in the area and using the route as part of daily business. There are also clear concerns around emergency service access along the route. 

"Whilst responsibility for enforcing parking predominately lies with the local authority, I am pleased that our officers will work to support our colleagues in Denbighshire County Council with visible patrols, engagement with motorists and the community, and enforcement action where necessary. 

“North Wales Police and Denbighshire County Council will continue to work in partnership on long-term problem-solving measures for the location, and on engagement and diversion to prevent a recurrence of prior events”. 

Councillor Alan James, Denbighshire Cabinet Lead Member for Local Development and Planning, said: “We ask visitors to enjoy this beautiful area responsibly, take their litter home wherever possible or use the bins provided. It’s also important that visitors are respectful to those working on the site to ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors and residents too.

“We also encourage visitors to adhere to the parking restrictions that are in place as they’re important for both road users and ensuring there is a fair turnover of parking spaces. Drivers need to be aware that while visiting, anyone not complying with parking restrictions risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice from our civil enforcement officers."