Proposals to prohibit coaches from stopping and parking in the Cotswold village of Bibury put forward by a working group charged with reviewing that situation have drawn criticism from a trade body representing the coach industry.
The working group claims that “an influx” of coaches to Bibury is “causing congestion and creating safety issues for visitors and residents.” It is composed of representatives from Gloucestershire County Council (GCC), Cotswold District Council, Bibury Parish Council, and Gloucestershire Constabulary.
Initial changes are recommended to coach parking bays in Bibury to prevent those vehicles from using a layby on the B4425 next to Swan Bridge. That work is expected to begin “in the next two months.”
A further stage depends on the outcome of a consultation to start in the summer and includes exploration of restrictions on coach access to the centre of Bibury.
The UK Coach Operators Association has questioned the plans, with Director of Operations Stephen Spendley noting that they raise worries that local authorities in the Cotswolds “are increasingly limiting coach tourism” after similar efforts in Bourton-on-the-Water and in Burford.
Mr Spendley adds that the suggested measures “overlook the important role that coaches play in boosting the local economy and providing a sustainable, low-traffic way for visitors to enjoy these historic locations.”
Placing restrictions on coaches’ ability to visit such places will see overall visitor numbers fall, impacting local businesses and potentially leading to economic decline, he continues.
“Instead of imposing outright restrictions, we invite local authorities to work with UKCOA and the wider coach industry to explore alternative solutions and reach an amicable outcome that balances the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Among the coach parking working group’s longer-term recommendations are efforts to manage “overtourism” in Bibury and conducting feasibility studies to identify areas for coach parking outside the centre.
GCC Leader Cllr Stephen Davies acknowledges that the proposals “may not be popular with coach operators.” He adds that parties involved in the working group “are determined to work to find a solution for coach tourists to be able to visit Bibury, but this will take time.”
Division member for South Cerney Cllr Lisa Spivey is less reserved in her reaction, saying she is “delighted to see some positive action on this issue.” Cllr Spivey claims that the volume of coaches in Bibury “really poses a danger to residents and visitors and makes the village chaotic all year round.”
A report in June 2024 from the Bibury Parking Working Group (BPWG) – which is thought to be a different group to that reference by GCC – says that coaches and cars damage roads, verges and property in the village.
That document also claims that businesses in Bibury “indicate that they see limited income from coach passengers,” which it adds is in contrast to Bourton-on-the-Water. BPWG adds that one of its primary objectives is a total ban on coaches “in and through” Bibury.
