New traffic rules planned for 'iconic' village

Permanent changes to coach bays in an "iconic" tourist destination have been proposed to improve road safety and manage high visitor numbers.

Bibury, in the Gloucestershire Cotswolds, can sometimes see as many as 20,000 visitors in a weekend, and up to 50 coaches parking there a day.

Following a trial in the summer, Gloucestershire County Council is planning to introduce permanent restrictions on coaches entering the village.

Councillor Lisa Spivey, leader of the council, said: "Bibury is one of the Cotswolds' most iconic destinations, but its popularity has created real challenges. These proposals aim to make the village safer, reduce congestion, and protect its unique character."

Additional proposals include implementing a loading bay and disabled parking spaces, along with extended yellow line restrictions to prevent parking problems elsewhere.

Restrictions on coaches entering the village were introduced in May, with parking bays in the centre of the village closed and new public bus stop clearways installed.

Council leaders said the clearways were introduced to create safer passenger drop-off and pick-up areas and to reduce the risk of crashes caused by "unsafe coach manoeuvres".

Plans to make the changes permanent are supported by a group called Bibury One, which includes representatives from the local community, parish councillors, coach and tour operators, the county council, and Gloucestershire Constabulary.

Drop-in meetings for members of the public will begin on Wednesday.

If approved, the measures could be implemented by early summer 2026.

A survey on the changes is running until 3 December.

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