Residents in a Lochaber village overrun with tourists are asking visitors to use a bus or train visit to try to contain car parking “chaos”.
A lack of parking on the A830 Fort William to Mallaig road is causing problems as tourists from all over the world flock to see scenes made famous in blockbuster Harry Potter films.
With pedestrians spilling onto the main carriageway residents say traffic problems are an accident waiting to happen.
It is understood that more than 15,000-20,000 people a week are now visiting the site in the summer.
It was hoped a new car park to ease the congestion would be open for this summer season, but it is still to be completed.
A speed limit reduction and crossing are also in the pipeline.
But in the meantime, locals say near-misses on the road are being reported every day.
Now, residents have posted an online timetable for the bus and train service to the village, urging people not to bring cars to add to the “chaos” of all the vehicles in the area.
Stephen Carruthers, of Glenfinnan Community Council added: “It is the cars parking up onto the road verges and the pavements that are causing a real problem. These cars force people to walk in the road, on these tight bends. It is just good luck that there has not been an accident yet. I just hope something is done before there is one.”
Community councillor Fiona Gibson, who is on a sub group which has been fundraising for a community-owned car park, said: “The funding is in place for the car park, and it is hoped that it will very soon go out to tender.
“I suppose that is when we will know if we have enough funds for the project. As part of the car park we hope to build a footbridge over the River Finnan and a footpath to the viaduct.”
Mrs Gibson continued: “The image of Glenfinnan is so strong and it is everywhere, even on our bank notes. Tourists probably think we are all set up for tourists – but we aren’t.
“Yet again this year, there has been a notable increase in the number of tourists to the area.”
A spokesman for Police Scotland said: “The public is urged to report incidents of obstruction at the time of the offence so that officers can take the necessary action.”
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: “ We are currently progressing the legal processes to enable the speed limit reduction, however should any objections be received then this may result in a delay.
“The preferred location for the signalised pedestrian crossing has now been agreed with community stakeholders.”
