The Ogwen Valley and Tryfan. Photo: Bob Smith/grough

National park bosses in Snowdonia plan to install sensors at car parks across the area to help provide visitors with up-to-date information on where they can leave their vehicles.

The national park authority said the move is part of a scheme to manage popular parking areas around the foothills of Yr-Wyddfa-Snowdon and in the Ogwen Valley.

The technology will be used as part of the Yr Wyddfa and Ogwen parking and transport strategy to manage access and parking at key honeypot sites, the national park said.

The authority is working with Smart Parking to introduce the system.

An authority spokesperson said: “It will be part of Partneriaeth Yr Wyddfa’s long-term sustainable tourism approach which aims to improve visitor experience by reducing the environmental impact of visitors whilst also protecting our local communities.

“Over 500 sensors will be placed at all monitored car park spaces to provide live information for visitors enabling them to make informed decisions on where is available, rather than driving through the area searching for available parking spots.

“This information will be provided on the authority’s website and the Smart Parking mobile app.”

The intention is to develop a system incorporating an interactive live map that shows parking availability, facilities at sites, and a link with a booking app at designated car parks.

Angela Jones, Snowdonia National Park Authority’s partnerships manager said: “Working together with Transport for Wales and Smart Parking will provide the authority with better data regarding usage and trends, allowing us to plan for more sustainable approaches.

“We are still experiencing an increased number of visitors following the coronavirus restrictions and the popularity of staycations and the added pressures that it brings with it.

“Our aims are to enhance the visitor experience while also protecting the landscape and local communities through a broad improvement in the transport network in Eryri (Snowdonia) and this new system will play a major part in those ambitions.”

Lee Robinson, TfW development director for mid, north and rural Wales, said: “Addressing the parking issues around Yr Wyddfa and at Ogwen is one of the key challenges for the area and we are pleased to be supporting the Snowdonia National Park Authority in their strategy to improve access and encourage more sustainable modes of transport.

“This state-of-the-art technology developed by Smart Parking is one of a number of innovative solutions which will operate alongside improved public transport and active travel links.”