A public consultation has been launched on a proposal to make a street in Brecon one-way for traffic.

Free Street is currently a two-way road, but the proposal would make the street one-way in a southerly direction.

The consultation, which is now live, will close on June 23, 2024.

In a report submitted back in March, traffic systems manager Tony Paine explained that there is no residential parking allowed on the street and it is used as a shortcut by motorists.

Mr Paine said: “The level of use of the street causes concern with pedestrians on the narrow footways.

“The two-way traffic which includes large vehicles such as full-sized buses operating from the bus station, do cause issues with a section of channel drain towards the southern end as the road is narrow, and these vehicles have to overrun that channel.

“This overrunning of the channel drain causes regular damage loosening the covers causing a noise nuisance to the residents and requiring regular maintenance.”

He added that the traffic lights at the northern end of Free Street are “obsolete” and are due to be replaced while there is a new channel drain.

Mr Paine said: “There is concern from the residents that the channel drain will continue to be damaged by vehicles driving over it and will mean the channel drain will require continual ongoing maintenance.

“The damage causes a noise nuisance for those living along the street.

“As we are seeking to renew the traffic signals, it provides an opportune time to consider making changes to Free Street to protect the channel drain from regular damage.”

The report explained that making Free Street one way would lower the number of vehicles entering the street and allow a “safety zone” to be created for pedestrians while also providing protection to the channel drain.

The report added that “informal consultation” had been done in the past by county councillors for the area in February 2022 and that “broad support” had been received for making the street one-way.

The full proposal can be found on Powys County Council’s website at: https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/16437/Free-Street-Brecon-One-Way-proposal

Objections to the proposed order can be sent by email to [email protected] or in writing to Traffic and Travel Manager, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5LG.

Please use the wording "Introduction of prohibition of one-way restriction on Free Street, Brecon" as the subject line for your email so that your email can easily be identified.

You must include your name, email address, full postal address, and substantiated reasons for any objections.