Bristol Zoo Groupon offer 'causes traffic chaos'

Bristol Zoo has been criticised for holding a half-price promotion on Groupon in August.

Critics said the promotion attracted 10,000 extra visitors, which then caused traffic "chaos", reports the BBC.

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A pressure group is now calling for a ban on Bristol Zoo using the local Downs as an overflow car park during peak periods.

In July 2013, the zoo was given permission to use the Downs for parking for up to 45 days a year for three years, and says a ban on this would hit it hard financially.

But the Downs for People group now want the Downs Committee to stop giving permission for up to 700 cars to park there.

Campaigner Susan Carter told the Bristol Post: "The zoo has been using this land on a 'temporary' basis since the 1960s, contrary to all the policies to protect the Downs as a place for the people of Bristol to enjoy."

She added: "The zoo needs to make proper transport and parking provision for its visitors who come mainly from Wales at peak periods.

"The Downs should be returned to the people of Bristol for them to enjoy. This will not happen while the Downs Committee continues to issue licences."

The zoo said it promotes alternative forms of transport as much as possible but, according to the BBC, 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."

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