Park And Ride For Snowdonia?

Opportunist parking in rocky laybys on the Llanberis Pass could be replaced by park and ride schemes if a new initiative succeeds.

The Green Key Strategy is a local government initiative for Snowdonia which seeks to develop local businesses, including tourism, by creating - and we quote - 'a network of efficient, flexible and integrated transport alternatives to car travel throughout the area'.

It's in its initial consultation stages, with locals being given the chance to put their views forward with the first meeting having been held in Capel Curig last Monday 14 January. According to a news story on the BMC site, the debate was heated with residents in favour of an improved local transport system, but also anxious not to see public parking spaces in the area closed.

The meeting was the first of seven to be held this month - see here for details of others - which give locals the chance to find out what's going on. You can also download the strategy document from the local government web site here along with a response form and e-mail contact details.

Meanwhile, the BMC has asked that a 'users focus group' be set up to represent the views of outdoors people and tourists as part of the consultation process.

The deadline for comment is 8 February.

Comment Anyone who's tried to start a walk from Pen y Pas at the foot of Snowdon on a busy summer weekend will appreciate the need for a better local transport strategy. The car park fills up rapidly and while there is public transport, it's not frequent enough to meet demand.