Andrew Forgrave

Eight motorcyclists who stopped twice for ice cream at Llyn Tegid in Eryri National Park face two £60 penalties each, totalling £960, after new ANPR cameras enforced motorcycle parking charges. The bikers say they were unaware of the £1 fee and signage, while other visitors are contesting fines issued around the scheme’s launch. Local residents have petitioned for free 24-hour access, arguing that higher charges and limited free parking deter families and people on lower incomes. Eryri National Park Authority says the pilot, running through the October half-term, is intended to tackle overnight camping and unpaid parking, improve visitor management and inform a later review.

Several children were rescued from a rip current at Tywyn beach in Gwynedd, prompting renewed calls from locals for lifeguards and clearer safety signage. Witnesses described multiple incidents during a recent heatwave, with concerns expressed that lives were nearly lost. Tywyn has had previous tragedies linked to rip currents, and residents accuse authorities of failing to provide adequate protection. Cyngor Gwynedd maintains that its beach safety approach relies on seasonal wardens rather than lifeguards and is based on risk assessments, while the RNLI operates lifeguards at other Welsh beaches. The events have intensified community pressure for improved warning notices and dedicated lifeguard services.