Bourton-on-the-Water in Gloucestershire, known as the 'Venice of the Cotswolds', is set to introduce a residents' parking permit scheme in spring 2027 as part of efforts to tackle overtourism.
The village has a population of just 4,000 but welcomes 300,000 holidaymakers and day trippers annually. Some residents say the area has been blighted by TikTokers, with bitter disputes over parking as dozens of coaches routinely turn up crammed with tourists.
Consultation Shows Strong Support
A major consultation was conducted with more than 950 responses submitted, representing roughly half of all households in the village. The findings revealed 'strong support' for the parking permit scheme throughout the village alongside other measures to manage car parking in the centre.
The county council has now pledged funding, with the goal of implementing initial changes in spring 2027. Councillor Paul Hodgkinson, county councillor for Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach, said: "Bourton is a much-loved and iconic part of the Cotswolds. It attracts many visitors, but people who live and work here must be properly supported.
"This is about getting the balance right, welcoming visitors while protecting residents' quality of life, making parking fairer for local people and finding a workable solution for coaches. More than 950 people took the time to share their views and the message is clear: residents want practical action. So do I."
Broader Measures and Coach Traffic
The council confirmed the scale of responses showed the strength of feeling amongst residents regarding visitor traffic, parking pressures and coach movements. The latest findings follow a previous survey which revealed more than 90 per cent of villagers believed tourists were negatively impacting their lives, with regular overcrowding from visitors travelling from around the globe.
The parking proposals represent part of broader work involving Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council and Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council to tackle the difficulties facing the village. This encompasses trialling temporary arrangements for coach drop-off and pick-up points, while working towards relocating coach drop-offs away from residential streets.
The county council will now commence the formal procedure to introduce a residents' parking scheme alongside amendments to parking restrictions in the village centre. This will involve a 21-day public consultation.
Next Steps and Long-Term Solutions
Provided the proposals gain adequate support, the objective is for the measures to be implemented next spring. Councillor Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety for Gloucestershire County Council, said: "Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the county's most visited destinations.
"That popularity brings important benefits for the local economy, but it also creates real challenges for residents and the village's road network. There is no single or simple solution, which is why we have listened carefully to local people and are working with our district and parish council partners to turn that feedback into practical improvements."
The council confirmed it was also pressing ahead with exploring longer-term options for coach parking and drop-off arrangements. Councillor Lynda Hicks, chair of Bourton Parish Council, said: "The parish council has worked for many months to find solutions to our parking and tourism problems after listening to our residents and businesses.
"We now look forward to working with Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council to produce solutions that our residents and businesses deserve."
The measures come after district councillor Jon Wareing previously warned that Bourton-on-the-Water is under threat from 'TikTok tourists' who 'exploit the destination's heritage for clicks'. He said: "This kind of visitor tends to have little real interest in the heritage, culture or natural environment they are exploiting for clicks. They are the ultimate hit-and-run tourists.
"When people are denied social connection, it has an impact on their mental and physical health. One person I've been speaking to has decided to leave the village because she finds it unbearable. This person is not alone — many people are now saying enough is enough."
Cllr Wareing said the issue has been "accelerating for decades" and that residents are being denied their local experience, with people unable to find parking, having to travel to other communities for pharmacies, and facing threats and harassment. He added: "Tourism is great for understanding different people, being curious about culture and history and heritage. It makes the world feel more connected, as we realise we have more in common than difference.
"But this has been lost when we have people being abusive, physically and verbally, to residents who are trying to go about their daily lives. This is going on all over the place. We are experiencing parallels with a place like Venice in Italy."
