Calls for people climbing Snowdon to be charged in an effort to mitigate the impact of “over tourism” on parts of north Wales will be debated by Gwynedd council.

July and August were dominated by scenes involving inconsiderate motorists parking along Gwynedd’s highways as tourists flocked to some of the region’s hotspots after the lifting of many lockdown restrictions.

Despite efforts including a visible police clampdown and cars being towed away, the county’s councillors will be asked to back more radical measures including a “considerable fee” to enjoy the natural delights of Snowdonia.

The highest peak in Wales – and England –  attracts more than 500,000 visitors every year and contributes to the north Wales tourist economy.

Despite Gwynedd council having no powers to implement such a charge, a full council meeting on Thursday (October 1) will be asked to back an open debate on charging a “considerable fee” for those climbing the mountain.

The motion by Llais Gwynedd councillor Glyn Daniels, who represents Diffwys a Maenofferen, calls for an investigation into the possibility of charging tourists visiting the park, including Snowdon itself, with Gwynedd Council working with the Snowdonia National Park Authority.

“I propose that Gwynedd Council, in collaboration with Snowdonia National Park, urgently investigates the possibility of charging tourists who visit parts of the park, particularly on and around Snowdon itself,” his motion will read.

Claiming it would be “advantageous in more than one way”, Cllr Daniels argues that such a move would boost the coffers of both authorities during a time of financial uncertainty with “also room to believe” it would reduce excess cars “causing traffic jams and hazards”.

Arguing that the area should benefit “a little more financially” from local beauty spots, he added: “We’re not asking for gold nuggets, but then again we deserve more than peanuts.”

The park authority itself, however, has already cast doubt on such proposals, claiming that a change in the law would be required.

“Currently, it would not be legal or enforceable to charge a toll on Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) due to the Countryside and Right of Way Act which allows access for all to certain areas of the countryside,” said a spokesperson.

“In addition, Welsh national parks do not have local tax raising powers. Our work is funded by Welsh Government – for the three national parks of Wales it costs each Welsh citizen £4 per year.”

The move has also been criticised by Clwyd West MS Darren Millar, who described it as a “bad idea” and “undermine efforts” to recover the tourist industry post-Covid.

“Every pound charged will be a pound less for people to spend in the local economy,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the Senedd this week Arfon MS Sian Gwenllian urged the First Minister to make the tourism sector more sustainable, referring to “excessive tourism” and the resulting parking, traffic and litter problems which were causing “great frustration for the local population.”

“We have welcomed far more visitors than usual to tourist hotspots in my

constituency this year,” she said, referring to parking, traffic and litter problems which were causing “great frustration for the local population.”

“They have brought an ‘Indian Summer boost’ to the local economy, but the experience hasn’t always been enjoyable, neither for the visitors nor the local population.”

In response, Mark Drakeford said,  “The tourism industry is extremely important to north Wales, and the solution to the problems is dependent on bringing people together around the table to think about how we can give extremely good experiences to people who come to us, that are part of the local economy, and at the same time protect the things that people come to Wales to see and enjoy.”