Bourton-on-the-Water, a Cotswolds village often called the Venice of the Cotswolds, is set to introduce a residents' parking permit scheme as locals push back against overtourism. The village, home to just 4,000 people, welcomes around 300,000 holidaymakers and day trippers every year.
Some residents say the area has been "ruined" by TikTokers, with frequent rows over parking as dozens of coaches regularly arrive full of sightseers. Charges are now planned as part of a wider parking and transport review aimed at easing the strain.
Strong support from consultation
A major consultation has been carried out, drawing more than 950 responses, which represents roughly half of all households in the village. The results showed "strong support" for the parking permit scheme across the village, along with other measures to manage parking in the centre.
Gloucestershire County Council has committed funding, with the aim of introducing the changes in the spring.
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."
Residents' concerns over visitor traffic
The local council said the level of response demonstrated how strongly residents feel about visitor traffic, pressure on parking and coach movements. A previous survey revealed that more than 90% of the village's population felt tourists were blighting their lives, with regular overcrowding as people descend on the place from across the world.
The parking proposals form part of wider work involving Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council and Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council to address the challenges facing the village. This includes trialling temporary arrangements for a coach drop-off and pick-up and progressing towards moving coach drop-off away from residential streets.
Next steps for the scheme
The county council will now begin the formal process to introduce a residents' parking scheme and changes to parking restrictions in the village centre. This will include a 21-day public consultation.
Roger Whyborn, transport chief at 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.
"Moving forward with the residents' parking scheme is an important first step, alongside our continuing work to find a better long-term approach to coach traffic."
The council said it was also continuing to explore longer-term options for coach parking and drop-off arrangements, with the aim of finding a solution that supports visitors and local businesses while minimising disruption for residents.
Steps are being taken after district councillor Jon Wareing said previously that Bourton-on-the-Water is at risk from "TikTok tourists" that "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."
Mr Wareing said the problem has been "accelerating for decades". He said: "Our residents are being denied their local experience: the village is being besieged. People can't find places to park, they are having to go to pharmacies in another community and they are frightened."
