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Row after Bristol Zoo promotion caused traffic 'chaos' | Row after Bristol Zoo promotion caused traffic 'chaos' |
(about 7 hours later) | |
Bristol Zoo has been criticised for holding a half-price promotion in August which attracted 10,000 extra visitors and caused traffic "chaos". | Bristol Zoo has been criticised for holding a half-price promotion in August which attracted 10,000 extra visitors and caused traffic "chaos". |
Community group Downs for People (DfP) wants the attraction's permit to operate a 700-space overflow car park on Clifton Downs revoked. | |
It claimed it does not encourage the use of public transport and said the zoo "thinks it can do what it likes". | It claimed it does not encourage the use of public transport and said the zoo "thinks it can do what it likes". |
The zoo said it promotes alternative forms of transport as much as it can. | The zoo said it promotes alternative forms of transport as much as it can. |
However, Chief Executive Dr Brian Carroll said: "People who come to visit the zoo are families and to try to expect them to come by bicycle or walk or take three buses is not realistic." | However, Chief Executive Dr Brian Carroll said: "People who come to visit the zoo are families and to try to expect them to come by bicycle or walk or take three buses is not realistic." |
'Out of control' | 'Out of control' |
Susan Carter, of DfP said the August promotion via the online deals company Groupon attracted more than 10,000 visitors and caused "chaos on the Downs and surrounding areas". | Susan Carter, of DfP said the August promotion via the online deals company Groupon attracted more than 10,000 visitors and caused "chaos on the Downs and surrounding areas". |
She said the zoo "knew that there wasn't enough parking for those visitors" and it "was totally out of control". | |
The zoo has its own car parks with spaces for about 340 vehicles, but has operated the 700-capacity overflow car park on the Downs since the 1970s. | The zoo has its own car parks with spaces for about 340 vehicles, but has operated the 700-capacity overflow car park on the Downs since the 1970s. |
Its permit was renewed for a further three years in 2013, and under the terms of the agreement with Bristol City Council it can only use the space for 45 days a year. | Its permit was renewed for a further three years in 2013, and under the terms of the agreement with Bristol City Council it can only use the space for 45 days a year. |
A council spokesperson said: "The land in question has a long history of temporary planning permissions for parking. | |
"Any future planning applications will be processed by the council following due process." |
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