Eight motorcyclists from Devon have each been hit with two £60 fines after stopping for ice creams at Llyn Tegid in Eryri National Park, saying they were unaware that a new £1 motorcycle parking charge had been introduced.
The fines, totalling £960, follow the activation of automatic number plate recognition cameras at Bala lake on July 13 as part of a pilot scheme aimed at tackling overnight camping and unpaid parking. The cameras automatically record vehicles and issue penalties when parking fees are not paid.
Bikers say they would have paid
One of the bikers, a regular visitor from Torquay, said he had visited the lake for almost 10 years without being aware of any motorcycle parking charge. He said the group would have happily paid the £1 fee if they had seen clear signage.
Residents have since launched a petition demanding free access to Llyn Tegid's car parks, arguing the lake has been part of the community for generations. More than 500 people signed the petition within its first six days.
Parking changes after summer chaos
The new system follows concerns about overcrowding, litter, noise and illegal camping around Bala during busy summer periods. Parking now costs £5 for up to four hours or £8 for a full day, while motorcyclists are charged £1.
Residents have been offered one hour of free off-peak parking as a "local benefit", but the available times are between 2am and 8am or 5.30pm and midnight. Campaigners say the concession is unrealistic for families and people wanting to visit the lake after work or at weekends.
Private firm runs enforcement
The car parks are managed on behalf of Eryri National Park Authority by private company Initial Parking, prompting concerns about the use of fines to control access to the lake. Campaigners argue residents should have been properly consulted before the new system was introduced.
The pilot scheme will continue until the end of the October half-term before its effectiveness is reviewed. Eryri National Park Authority says ANPR data, resident feedback and community views will be considered before any future changes are decided.
