Yorkshire Dales National Park to issue live updates on car park capacity this weekend

Malham Cove has been one of the busiest areas of the Dales since the National Park re-opened to visitors | jpimedia

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is expecting such high demand for parking spaces this weekend that they will provide live updates on availability.

The Authority's website will be updated throughout the day when its managed car parks are full or nearing capacity.

It comes after several weekend of warm weather when large numbers of vehicles attempted to access a limited number of spaces.

Drivers have also been reminded that car parking charges were increased in April to £2.70 for two hours and £4.80 for over two hours.

A 'traffic light' system has been devised so that visitors can check online how many spaces remain between 10am and 4pm on May 30 and 31.

Malham and Horton-in-Ribblesdale have been the busiest destinations and families have been advised to visit other areas of the National Park instead.

Red indicates a full car park, orange is one reaching capacity and green is one with plenty of vacant spaces.

The National Park Authority owns car parks in Aysgarth Falls, Buckden, Clapham, Grassington, the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes, Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Kettlewell, Linton Falls, Malham and Stainforth.

Visitors are also reminded that camping and overnight stays in motorhomes remain forbidden, as does gathering in groups from more than one household.

The fire risk in the Dales is considered to be high after a long period of dry weather and barbecues are banned.

To see live updates, click here.