Residents’ views drive action on parking and tourism pressures in Bourton-on-the-Water
Around 950 responses were received to the consultation, representing almost half of all households in the village and demonstrating how strongly residents feel about visitor traffic, pressure on parking and coach movements.
The consultation found strong support for a residents’ parking permit scheme across the village and measures to manage car parking in the centre. Gloucestershire County Council has committed funding, with the aim of introducing initial changes in spring 2027.
The parking proposals form part of wider work involving Gloucestershire County Council, Cotswold District Council and Bourton-on-the-Water Parish Council to address the challenges facing the village and turn residents’ and business’ feedback into practical improvements.
Together with residents, businesses and other local stakeholders, the councils have been exploring immediate and longer-term measures to improve traffic flow, manage car and coach parking, address associated anti-social behaviour and improve the experience of residents and visitors.
As part of the work on traffic and coach management, Gloucestershire County Council has also:
· Trialled temporary arrangements for coach drop-off and pick-up in Meadow Way.
· Worked with local stakeholders and coach operators to understand concerns and explore workable alternatives.
· Is now progressing plans to move coach drop-off away from residential streets, taking account of the findings of the trial.
Cllr Lynda Hicks, Chair of Bourton Parish Council, said: “The Parish Council has worked for many months to find solutions to our parking and tourism problems after listening to our residents and businesses.
“We now look forward to working with Cotswold District Council and Gloucestershire County Council to produce solutions that our residents and businesses deserve; the Parish Council will work to ensure that any changes that are introduced reflect the needs and concerns of local people.”
Cllr Roger Whyborn, cabinet member for sustainable transport and road safety, said: “Bourton-on-the-Water is one of the county’s most visited destinations. That popularity brings important benefits for the local economy, but it also creates real challenges for residents and the village’s road network.
“There is no single or simple solution, which is why we have listened carefully to local people and are working with our district and parish council partners to turn that feedback into practical improvements. Moving forward with the residents’ parking scheme is an important first step, alongside our continuing work to find a better long-term approach to coach traffic.”
Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, county councillor for Bourton-on-the-Water and Northleach, said: “Bourton is a much-loved and iconic part of the Cotswolds. It attracts many visitors, but people who live and work here must be properly supported. This is about getting the balance right, welcoming visitors while protecting residents’ quality of life, making parking fairer for local people and finding a workable solution for coaches.
“More than 950 people took the time to share their views and the message is clear: residents want practical action. So do I. The commitment to move forward with a residents’ parking permit scheme, with the aim of making changes on the ground next spring, is a significant step forward.”
Cllr Tony Dale, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Visitor Experience at Cotswold District Council, said: “The response to the consultation shows just how important these issues are to the local community. What matters now is turning that feedback into action.
“By working closely with our partners, residents, and businesses, we can continue making practical improvements that help the village work for everyone”.
Next steps
Gloucestershire County Council will now begin the formal process to introduce a residents’ parking scheme and changes to parking restrictions in the village centre. This will include a public consultation lasting at least 21 days.
Subject to the proposals receiving sufficient support, the aim is for the changes to be introduced in spring 2027.
The immediate next phase of work for this winter 2026/27 will include finalisation of coach management options, including provision of a marked coach stop cage or ‘Clearway’ and signage, and ongoing engagement with residents, businesses, local councils and coach operators. Final implementation timescales will be confirmed soon.
At the same time, council officers will continue to explore longer-term options for coach parking and drop-off arrangements, with the aim of finding a solution that supports visitors and local businesses while minimising disruption for residents.