Police issue warning to Glenfinnan visitors after 11 drivers fined for dangerous parking
Police have urged tourists visiting Glenfinnan to plan their trips responsibly after 11 motorists were fined for dangerously obstructing the road near the popular Highland attraction.
Police Scotland officers issued the fixed penalty notices during patrols on the A830 after vehicles were found parked partly on the pavement and road.
Officers said the parking was creating a hazard for pedestrians and other motorists in a village struggling to cope with the number of visitors arriving by car and motorhome.
Glenfinnan, around 17 miles west of Fort William, is home to the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite monument and is one of Scotland’s busiest tourist destinations outside Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The viaduct attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year, including Harry Potter fans who come to see the railway crossing made famous by the films.
Police Scotland said local policing and roads policing officers regularly patrol the A830, offering advice to visitors and taking enforcement action where necessary.
In a statement, police said: “Glenfinnan village – home to the world famous viaduct and Jacobite monument – is one of the busiest and most popular tourist attractions outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, however struggles with capacity for the sheer number of visitors arriving by car or motorhome.
“Crucially, the village is also the home and workplace to people who are affected by anti-social behaviour and dangerous parking along the main road.”
Police said 11 motorists were issued with fixed penalty notices within a short period after parking in a way which dangerously obstructed the road.
They added: “Tourists are welcome and encouraged to visit Glenfinnan, but please plan your visit responsibly.”
Visitors have been encouraged to consider public transport instead, with rail and bus services operating from Fort William.
Police Scotland said a number of local businesses also offer discounts to visitors who present a valid rail or bus ticket.
Police Scotland Highland & Islands said:”Glenfinnan vilage - home to the world famous viaduct and Jacobite monument - is one of the busiest and most popular tourist attractions outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, however struggles with capacity for the sheer number of visitors arriving by car or motorhome. “Crucially, the village is also the home and workplace to people who are affected by anti-social behaviour and dangerous parking along the main road. “Officers from local policing and the roads policing units regularly carry out patrols along the A830, offering advice and when necessary carrying out enforcement. Earlier this afternoon in just a short space of time, a total of 11 motorists were issued with fixed penalty notices for dangerously obstructing the road, having parked partially on the pavement and on the road, causing a hazard for pedestrians and motorists. “Tourists are welcome and encouraged to visit Glenfinnan, but please plan your visit responsibly. There are rail and bus services from Fort William, and many local businesses offer discounts to visitors presenting a rail or bus ticket.”
Police have urged tourists visiting Glenfinnan to plan their trips responsibly after 11 motorists were fined for dangerously obstructing the road near the popular Highland attraction.
Police Scotland officers issued the fixed penalty notices during patrols on the A830 after vehicles were found parked partly on the pavement and road.
Officers said the parking was creating a hazard for pedestrians and other motorists in a village struggling to cope with the number of visitors arriving by car and motorhome.
Glenfinnan, around 17 miles west of Fort William, is home to the world-famous Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Jacobite monument and is one of Scotland’s busiest tourist destinations outside Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The viaduct attracts large numbers of visitors throughout the year, including Harry Potter fans who come to see the railway crossing made famous by the films.
Police Scotland said local policing and roads policing officers regularly patrol the A830, offering advice to visitors and taking enforcement action where necessary.
In a statement, police said: “Glenfinnan village – home to the world famous viaduct and Jacobite monument – is one of the busiest and most popular tourist attractions outside of Edinburgh and Glasgow, however struggles with capacity for the sheer number of visitors arriving by car or motorhome.
“Crucially, the village is also the home and workplace to people who are affected by anti-social behaviour and dangerous parking along the main road.”
Police said 11 motorists were issued with fixed penalty notices within a short period after parking in a way which dangerously obstructed the road.
They added: “Tourists are welcome and encouraged to visit Glenfinnan, but please plan your visit responsibly.”
Visitors have been encouraged to consider public transport instead, with rail and bus services operating from Fort William.
Police Scotland said a number of local businesses also offer discounts to visitors who present a valid rail or bus ticket.