Sunday, September 8, 2024 The picturesque village of Bibury, located in Gloucestershire’s Cotswolds, is experiencing severe traffic congestion as an overwhelming number of tourists descend on the area. With a population of fewer than 600 residents, the village is now receiving thousands of visitors daily, creating significant traffic issues. Bibury, dubbed “the most beautiful village in England” by 19th-century designer William Morris, has become a hotspot for tourists, with its narrow streets and historic bridge now dealing with as many as 40,000 vehicles per month.
The traffic situation has gotten so severe that it can take up to an hour to drive just a mile through the village. Local residents, including Craig Chapman, chairman of Bibury Parish Council, have expressed frustration with the situation. Villagers have had to adjust their daily routines to avoid peak tourist hours, typically between 10 am and 4 pm.
According to Chapman, efforts are being made to mitigate the problem, including potential traffic control measures and limiting access for large vehicles such as tour buses. The situation has raised concerns about the impact on the village’s historic infrastructure, including its 16th-century bridge, which is struggling under the strain of increased traffic. There are also safety concerns, with emergency vehicles sometimes unable to navigate the congested roads in time to respond to incidents.
Local campaigners are hopeful that new measures will restore some of the tranquility that made Bibury famous in the first place. Bibury’s fame is not new. It has long been admired for its quintessential English charm and picturesque surroundings.
In addition to William Morris’s praise, the village also attracted Emperor Hirohito of Japan, further adding to its global allure. However, the influx of modern-day tourists is putting a strain on the village’s infrastructure, making it difficult for locals to maintain their daily lives. The village is now grappling with the balance of preserving its historic charm while managing the increasing number of visitors.
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