THE anticipated influx of visitors to the district's beauty spots today has been pre-empted by North Yorkshire Police who have teamed with the Yorkshire Dales ranger service to help ensure everyone stays safe.

Reports have emerged over the past few days of gridlock in some beauty spots due to inconsiderate parking and the general huge volume of people escaping to the Dales for some rest and relaxation.

As the forecast promises a warm day, more tourists are expected to head out to rural areas and the Dales is a favourite destination for many.

Malham has been particularly busy this year, as has Ingleton and smaller Dales villages such as Burnsall and Bolton Abbey.

Ingleton was gridlocked with vehicles parked near the waterfalls walk yesterday, Thursday, and an officer manning a video van had to intervene to get cars moving again.

The picture was tweeted by Sgt Paul Evans.