Despite threats of a ban on coaches in Bourton-on-the-Water, two of those at the heart of moves to reinstate coach parking facilities in the village remain hopeful of more positive news soon.
Last month, Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council endorsed a proposal to implement Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) on key routes in the tourist hotspot.
Some attendees and councillors at a Bourton-on-the-Water Paris Council meeting on 3 April continued to push for TROs to be used.
Mention was also made of “chaotic” scenes over the Easter bank holiday weekend when – according to press reports – residents complained about coaches causing traffic issues.
District councillor Jon Wareing said he believed the village was experiencing “over-tourism”. Meeting minutes elaborated his view that “the infrastructure could not cope with last weekend’s volume of traffic and there should be a long-term approach to reduce this”.
This followed the closure on 31 December 2023 of the Bourton Vale coach parking area.
Nevertheless, meetings over a resolution are ongoing which involve representatives from Gloucestershire County Council (GCC); Andrew Pulham, Managing Director of local operator Pulham’s Coaches; and local MP, Geoffrey Clifton-Brown.
A TRO would be costly and would need to be imposed by GCC Highways.
Bourton Business Network member Andrew Lund-Yates tells routeone: “GCC Highways are now heavily involved and looking at suitable alternatives. I don’t think they want anything to do with a TRO, so they’re looking at constructive and positive solutions. That’s what came out of the meeting with Mr Clifton-Brown.”
The local businessman, who says a ban would have dire consequences for the local economy, adds: “I think we’re a couple of weeks away from being able to report something really positive. I think it’s coming to a point where there’ll be a solution from the village itself.”
It was noted at the parish council meeting that Mr Pulham had suggested the potential use of Meadow Way as a drop-off and pick-up point and that a request had been made for GCC Highways to investigate the feasibility – a motion said to be backed by GCC Leader Mark Hawthorne.
The Parish Highways Committee also confirmed that an earlier proposal to use Rissington Road car park for coaches would be further investigated.
Mr Pulham adds: “Gloucestershire County Council have now engaged with Cotswold District Council to look for a solution and support with any costs that may be involved. I hope that in the next few weeks we have some positive news to report on.”
