Bibury, a village in the Cotswolds known for its 14th-century honey-coloured stone cottages and previously named the “most beautiful village in the world” by Forbes, is experiencing a significant rise in parking fines linked to growing visitor numbers. An independent report reveals that parking penalties issued in the village have surged by 2,000% over the past seven years, raising concerns over congestion and safety.
Figures show that in 2025, Gloucestershire County Council’s parking wardens issued 651 penalty charge notices, a sharp increase from just 28 in 2019. With fines set at £70—reduced to £35 if paid within two weeks—these tickets could have generated up to £45,570 in revenue last year. This reflects an average monthly income of approximately £3,797 from parking fines alone, compared to a potential £1,960 in 2019.
Residents and community representatives have voiced concerns about the impact of increased tourism, citing dangerous parking practices such as blocking pavements and stopping on double yellow lines. Craig Chapman, a local community representative, stressed the need for strict enforcement to maintain clear routes for emergency services and to ensure pedestrians can navigate the village safely.
Despite the rise in fines, the council estimates that enforcement costs amount to around £4,000 per month, indicating that income from penalties does not fully cover operating expenses. In response, plans are underway to introduce pay-and-display parking for 24 on-street spaces, with proposed tariffs of £6 to £7 for two hours during the peak tourist season from March to October. Officials say these charges are comparable to those at other popular destinations and could generate up to £218,880 annually, potentially delivering a surplus of £360,680 over four years after accounting for enforcement costs.
Additional measures include making permanent a pedestrianised zone in the village centre that was previously used for coach parking. Temporary barriers there will be replaced with designs more in keeping with Bibury’s historic character. A focus group is also exploring options for parking facilities outside the village to relieve pressure on residents’ driveways and the narrow local road network.
The county council has allocated £175,000 toward a broader investment package aimed at managing visitor numbers and reducing congestion. However, officials note that the figures presented in the report assume the highest possible fines collected, as penalties may be reduced or overturned upon appeal.
Cllr Lisa Spivey, leader of Gloucestershire County Council, emphasised the council’s commitment to balancing the needs of the local community, businesses relying on tourism, and visitors. She noted that the village attracts a large number of tourists, creating congestion challenges, but said the council’s proactive enforcement aims to facilitate a safe and enjoyable experience for all while protecting Bibury’s unique character.