POLICE needed to intervene as more than 500 cars were parked illegally on the roadside in Snowdonia.

Thousands of people flocked to the mountains and beaches of North Wales over the weekend, filling post of the region's car parks to capacity.

At one point, more than 500 cars lined the road between the Pen-y-Pass car park on Snowdon and the Pen y Gwryd Hotel.

North Wales Police went to the Nant Peris Pass to assist Gwynedd Council officers.

On Sunday, the Pen y Pass, Pont Bethania and Ogwen car parks were reported as being full while those at Llyn Tegid in Bala and Llangower were very busy.

This morning (Monday, July 20) the car parks at Pen y Pass and Ogwen are already full.

On Sunday,Cllr Nia Jeffreys tweeted: "Scary in #PenyPass today.

"The police and council are trying to ensure safety.

"Please, use some common sense. If your chosen car park is full, drive to another one, NOT park illegally on the road and make it dangerous."

Alun Gethin Jones, a national park warden from Bangor, warned people on social media to avoid the area on Sunday.

He said: "Please avoid Pen Y Pass at all costs today.

"Its getting very dangerous as cars and cyclist cannot pass safely. Social distancing is getting ignored, which makes this place a major health hazard in this current climate.

"This is shameful! I've been sticking to the rules and keeping my distance for 4 months, for all of it now to be thrown out the window! Diolch!"

Visitors can find out the latest situations at car parks in Snowdonia by visiting https://www.snowdonia.gov.wales/authority/coronavirus/car-park-vacancies

If you are coming to Snowdonia by car, please help us create a safer National Park for our communities and other visitors by following these guidelines.

The advice on the site says: "Be safe - Observe social distancing at all times. Maintain a safe distance between you/your group and others. Be mindful of any pinch points and remember to sanitise your hands after contact with hard surfaces including pay and display machines.

"Tread lightly – Be willing to change your destination. Have a few options prepared in case you arrive somewhere that is increasingly getting busy.

"Be kind – Park in designated parking spaces. Do not park on roadsides or across entrances, it is dangerous and can cause problems for our farmers, communities and emergency services."