Anger over Bibury traffic woes
Traffic easing measures appear not to be working as coaches 'park where they want'.
Last updated 27th Aug 2026
There are concerns measures aimed at easing the traffic woes caused by the sheer number of tourists who flock to Bibury are not working as coaches “park where they want”.
The Cotswold village, with its picturesque Arlington Row, is hugely popular with visitors to the point where it suffers from severe overtourism.
Gloucestershire County Council (GCC) had set up a trial drop off point for coaches to help ease traffic congestion.
But residents say some coach firms are ignoring it and parking “where they want” to drop off visitors.
Kris Watts, who moved to Bibury ten years ago, said the situation has gotten worse and worse.
She filmed what the situation was like in the village last Friday (August 21) and it shows an Excelsior coach not using the drop off point.
“The coach was just parked up on the left hand side,” she said. “You couldn’t see what was coming from the Swan side of the bridge."
“When we eventually got past it all, the passengers were walking across the road bridge."
“You just think, why? The coach bays the other side were empty.
“They just don’t take any notice. They tend to park where they want.”
She believes Bibury’s problems have been exacerbated by misleading social media posts which show the village as idyllic and free of traffic.
“We moved here ten years ago and we knew it was a tourist village but since Covid it has just got worse and worse and worse,” she said.
“We had the coaches but not nearly as bad as what it is now. I think it’s to do with influencers.
“People are posting reels showing you an idyllic traffic-free village and then when you get here it’s absolutely rammed.”
Excelsior Coaches have been approached for comment.
Bibury Parish Council chairman Craig Chapman believes a weight restriction on the bridge is needed to solve the problem caused by coaches.
“While the removal of the coach parking bays by the Swan Bridge was necessary, due to the safety issues and disruption caused as coaches reversed in, the jury is still out as to whether the experimental drop off bays are the solution,” he said.
“The reality is that Bibury is not suited to the large tourist coaches that pass through the village and a lot of our issues would be resolved if they are not permitted to cross or manoeuvre on the single track Swan Bridge."
“This can be achieved by applying the 17 tonne weight limit restriction, with public transport buses being exempt. The fact that the Swan Bridge appears to have structural issues, with a full report awaited from GCC, may provide opportunity to Implement this.”
Councillor Roger Whyborn (LD, Benhall and Up Hatherley), who is the cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, said they introduced the new coach drop-off points following extensive work with local residents, businesses and coach operators, with safety being our overriding priority.
“It is very disappointing to see reports that some coach drivers are continuing to drop passengers off elsewhere in the village rather than using the designated facilities,” he said.
“The drop-off points are there to help reduce congestion and improve safety for residents, visitors and all road users."
“We work closely with coach operators on arrangements for tourist hotspots such as Bibury and expect drivers to use the designated facilities provided."
“We are also continuing to review longer-term options for managing traffic and coach movements in the village, including Swan Bridge. Inspections and assessments of the bridge are ongoing."
“We remain committed to finding solutions that improve safety while supporting residents, businesses and visitors. We will continue to keep local people informed as this work progresses.”