Parking fines in Bibury, a village celebrated for its beauty, have surged by approximately 2,000%, generating an estimated £45,000 annually, as residents grapple with an influx of tourists.
Figures indicate that parking wardens issued 651 notices in the village last year, a significant increase from the 28 fines recorded in 2019. With fines set at £70, reducible to £35 if paid promptly, the total generated from tickets in 2025 could reach up to £45,570. This contrasts with the £1,900 collected in 2019.
Community representative Craig Chapman stated that many visitors demonstrate a "very little regard for villagers," parking indiscriminately, even on pavements or double yellow lines. In response to these overtourism complaints, Gloucestershire County Council has intensified enforcement.
Chapman emphasized the need for stricter measures to ensure access for emergency vehicles and safe passage for pedestrians. However, the cost of frequent warden deployment is estimated at £4,000 per month, meaning the revenue from fines does not fully cover enforcement expenses.
The county council is now proposing to introduce pay-and-display parking along The Street, with 24 on-street spaces subject to charges of £6 or £7 for two hours during the peak season from March to October. These tariffs, benchmarked against similar high-visitor locations, are projected to generate up to £218,880 annually. Once enforcement costs are accounted for, this could yield a surplus of up to £360,680 over four years.
Additionally, a pedestrianized area in the village center, formerly used for coach parking, is set to become permanent. Temporary barriers will be replaced with structures designed to complement the historic setting. A focus group is also exploring options for parking outside the village to alleviate pressure on local roads and residents' driveways, as part of a broader £175,000 investment package aimed at managing visitor numbers and congestion.
The council noted that the reported fine figures represent the "absolute maximums," as penalties are reduced for prompt payment or successful appeals. Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, acknowledged the village's popularity and the need to support both residents and businesses while managing tourism.
"The village receives a huge number of visitors which had led to congestion issues," Spivey said. "The council has taken a proactive enforcement approach to ensure both residents and visitors can enjoy the village. This involves working together and part of this is managing parking that is safe, legal and appropriate for the size of the village."
These parking issues arise amid broader concerns in the Cotswolds about development, with plans to build 19,000 new homes across the region over two decades. This initiative is part of a national housing drive.
Bibury, with a permanent population of around 700, can attract up to 20,000 visitors on a weekend. The village's charm, highlighted by its 14th-century honey-colored stone cottages, has drawn attention since William Morris described it as "the most beautiful village in England" in the mid-19th century.