Councillors in Gwynedd have overwhelmingly backed the principle of charging visitors to climb Snowdon, as the county battles what was described as “over tourism.”

While the authority currently has no powers to charge such a levy within the Snowdonia National Park, in a landslide vote members backed “opening the debate,” amid claims that the area isn’t benefiting as it should from such natural assets.

The move was sparked, at least in part, by scenes involving inconsiderate motorists parking along and blocking Gwynedd’s highways as tourists flocked to the region after the lifting of many lockdown restrictions.

There have also been complaints of littering on and around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), which is the highest in Wales and higher than any in England,  attracting more than 500,000 visitors every year.

Proposing the motion, Llais Gwynedd’s Glyn Daniels asked members to work with the Snowdonia National Park Authority to explore a “considerable fee” on visitors to the park,  arguing it would be “advantageous in more than one way,” boosting coffers with “also room to believe” it would reduce excess cars “causing traffic jams and hazards.”

The park authority itself has already cast doubt on such proposals, claiming that a change in the law would be required, with national parks not holding tax raising powers.

“Our work is funded by Welsh Government – for the three national parks of Wales it costs each Welsh citizen £4 per year,” said a park spokesperson.

Cllr Louise Hughes backed the principle but questioned what constituted a “considerable fee,” while Cllr Gareth Thomas said that the “type of tourist” wanted in the region was those that respected the natural surrounds.

Cllr Mike Stevens described such a move “long overdue” but that a “fantastic asset is currently being given away,” proposing number recognition cameras to allow payment by pre-registering.

Pushing for the Glyn Rhonwy site to be used as a park and ride site, Llanberis councillor Kevin Jones spoke of the need for a comprehensive service, with Cllr Steve Churchman also questioning how the charging system would be implemented and assurances on if it would be enforceable.

“We don’t want them to not come here, but there must be adequate provision for them to park,” said Cllr Churchman.

“If we charge them to use this resource then we need to plough the money back in to make it not just available for them but to support our people as well.”

Cllr Owain Williams said that a £2 charge would bring in £1m based on current figures.

“At present all we get back from the half a million visitors is rubbish and paying for having to collect it,” he added, claiming that a system would also create some jobs as part of the payment process.

The council leader, Dyfrig Siencyn, described Snowdon as “a classic example of over tourism at its worst.”

“It is not currently legal for us to charge to walk on a public footpath and the such, but I welcome further exploring this issue,” he added.

“There are several possible solutions, such as using the latest technology, while the park is also about to publish a report on transport arrangements around Snowdon which promises some fantastic ideas that will benefit local communities.

“We have also commissioned a report on how other areas across Europe deal with over tourism, and looking at how we will reset the industry to become a real sustainable one which offers well-paid jobs and supports our communities.”

53 members voted in favour with none against and one abstention.