The commission arose from the challenges faced by the village, which receives approximately 500,000 visitors annually, who are drawn to witness the iconic crossing of the Glenfinnan viaduct by the Jacobite steam train, made famous by the Harry Potter film franchise. The main concerns were the high volume of visitor-generated traffic and the associated parking issues.
To develop the Glenfinnan Travel Management Plan, Ansons conducted a comprehensive analysis of relevant data and literature from various sources. Additionally, we actively engaged with local and national stakeholders through interviews and an in-person workshop, allowing us to gather invaluable insights.
The resulting travel management plan incorporated a range of research insights and proposed interventions in four key areas. Firstly, we recommended implementing a comprehensive Public Communications Plan, utilising social media platforms and a dedicated visitor website to disseminate essential information effectively. Secondly, we emphasised the importance of parking management, suggesting the use of automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology to optimize existing car park usage and generate data for evidence-based decision-making on future interventions. Thirdly, we proposed traffic management strategies aimed at improving the coordination, visibility, and effectiveness of parking regulation enforcement. Lastly, we highlighted the significance of transport and infrastructure improvements, including the need to assess visitor demand for public transport services before implementing new offerings.
By addressing these areas of intervention, our travel management plan aims to alleviate the challenges associated with high visitor volumes in Glenfinnan. It has been designed to help ensure a sustainable and enjoyable visitor experience while preserving the village’s unique charm and minimizing any negative impact on the local community and environment.
