SCOTLAND’S national park is preparing for a surge in visitors after lockdown by increasing the numbers of staff and toilets and boosting car parking capacity.
Last summer Loch Lomond and the Trossachs saw a huge increase in visitors as restrictions eased. At the time there were reports of a “tidal wave” of litter being left by day-trippers, while residents complained tourists had been urinating in public places as toilet facilities were shut.
Groups also warned that in some villages and towns, where car parks were left closed, there was dangerous roadside parking and tailbacks.
When Scotland’s domestic travel restrictions are eased on April 26, the park hopes to have more staff, toilet facilities and parking capacity in place.
READ MORE: Scots national park faces 'tidal wave' of litter as visitors wreak havoc
The preparations have been developed for the 2021 summer season by the National Park Authority and partners including Police Scotland, Transport Scotland, Forestry and Land Scotland the four local authorities that cover the area.
The chief executive of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park Authority, Gordon Watson, said: “While we remain in lockdown, we continue to urge people to comply with the current Scottish Government restrictions and not to travel beyond their local authority area at the moment.
“But when travel restrictions ease on April 26, we will be ready to welcome visitors back and we will have plenty of people on the ground to ensure they can enjoy this amazing place safely and responsibly.”
Watson said the surge in 2020 visitor numbers brought “challenges and pressures” on rural locations.
“Since the end of the 2020 visitor season, we have worked closely with our partners on a joined-up response to the anticipated demand for staycations and day trips in the months ahead,” he said. “We are committing a significant increase in joint resources to help alleviate the pressures that we expect across the National Park when Covid-19 travel restrictions ease on April 26.”
The increased resources include additional public toilets in busy locations with extended toilet opening hours, 40 seasonal park rangers as well as the permanent workforce, a new team of environment officers to tackle littering, and expanded parking at locations like Ben A’an and Trossachs Pier at Loch Katrine.
READ MORE: Loch Lomond locals issue toilets plea as day trippers urinate in public places
There will also be new traffic signage to reduce congestion, extra overnight parking for motorhomes, pop-up information stations and more staff on weekends.
Chief Superintendent Alan Gibson, Divisional Commander for Forth Valley, said: "The Chief Constable has made it clear that we are asking people to take personal responsibility to do the right thing and remember the purpose of these measures is to aid the collective effort to stay safe, protect others and save lives.
“People should not leave home except for essential purposes. Our approach throughout the pandemic has been to engage with the public, explain the legislation and guidance, and encourage compliance, but we will not hesitate to continue to use our enforcement powers as a last resort.
“If you are visiting beauty spots within your local area, do so safely and respectfully – leaving no trace of your visit. Please also park responsibly to allow emergency access.”
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