Travel warning as crowds flock to Welsh beauty spots

Car moved from the Brecon Beacons Image copyright Brecon Beacons National Park Authority
Image caption Police have been removing cars parked illegally in the Brecon Beacons

Police have warned people about travelling to beauty spots in Wales after cars were towed away from a number of locations.

As temperatures soared and crowds headed to areas such as Snowdonia and the Brecon Beacons, officers have been working with council officials to keep the roadsides safe.

People gathering at Cardiff Bay have also been warned antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated.

On Friday police made two arrests.

Image copyright South Wales Police
Image caption Barriers were installed at Cardiff Bay in anticipation of large crowds gathering this weekend

Forces across Wales have urged people to think before heading out as hotspots such as the Brecon Beacons and Snowdonia become busy.

Dyfed-Powys officers have been patrolling the area around Storey Arms in the Brecon Beacons, helping to remove vehicles deemed to have been parked illegally.

And several car parks in Snowdonia were packed by mid-morning, with highways officials also saying there was congestion on the A55 in Gwynedd.

Image copyright Facebook/ North Wales Police
Image caption Police removed a vehicle from the side of the A5 in Gwynedd

North Wales Police warned there were problems elsewhere in the county.

One "dangerously parked" car was moved from the A5 in the Ogwen Valley, Gwynedd, while traffic heading for the beach in Abersoch was causing a "considerable build-up" in the village.

Image caption Benllech beach at Anglesey was busy with visitors on Saturday

In Cardiff Bay, a large number of visitors flocked to the area on Friday evening, despite the council cordoning off the amphitheatre section of Roald Dahl Plass with barriers following incidents over previous weekends.

Police said "dispersal and confiscation powers were used after some 130 people arrived with alcohol, nitrous oxide cannisters and a large music system - some of whom had previously been subject to police warnings in recent weeks".

Image copyright Matthew Horwood
Image caption People have been congregating in large numbers at Cardiff Bay since lockdown rules eased

One man was arrested for allegedly obstructing a police officer as the sound system was confiscated.

And a woman was arrested for allegedly being drunk and disorderly for a second week, the force said.

Det Ch Insp Lloyd Williams said: "As we've seen in recent weeks, it was the actions of a small minority who were intent on ruining it for others.

"Additional measures were in place this weekend, including marshals and barriers, and the vast majority of visitors were respectful of the measures and were supportive of our officers and the efforts being made to keep everyone safe.

"As a result, the atmosphere was largely positive.

"Dispersal powers were used, a small number of disturbances were broken up and, where necessary, alcohol and other items were confiscated.

"Our policing approach will continue throughout the weekend so our message to those intending to visit is clear - please visit, abide by restrictions and enjoy.

"Anyone intent on acting in an antisocial or criminal manner will be dealt with robustly."