Tweaks have been made to proposals to curb nuisance parking in Brecon after objections were lodged with Powys County Council as part of the consultation process.
Under delegated powers, on Friday August 23, the cabinet member for highways, Liberal Democrat Cllr Jackie Charlton agreed to the recommended changes to the traffic regulation order proposals.
A three-week consultation took place over last Christmas and into the New Year on 19 parking proposals for residential parts of Brecon close to the town centre.
The reason for the parking review was to encourage visitors to use public car parks instead of residential streets in Brecon.
The report said: “Consultation took place between December 20, 2023, and January 12. There have been 48 objections, two letters of support and one letter with comments on the proposals received.”
The report explained that highways officers advised that the objections to the proposals for Rich Way and Canal Road; Struet; The Watton; Brecon Town overall; Prospect Close; Wheat Street; St Johns Road and North Road were “noted and over-ruled”.
They recommend that the objections to Newton Green are “partially upheld” with the restrictions reduced to 11pm to 7am to prevent the overnight parking of lorries and large vans.
The objections to the proposals for St Davids Crescent/Ffrwdgrech Road which were to prevent parking on both sides of the carriageway underneath the bridge, will be upheld.
The report explains: “Following a meeting with residents it has become apparent that the inconsiderate parking of lorries and large vans at this location is no longer taking place, and the restrictions are not necessary.”
Powys County Councillors for Brecon were “happy” with the changes and believed they will improve pedestrian safety.
Labour’s Brecon West Cllr David Meredith said: “As a result of consultations with residents and taking on boards their views I am now happy to recommend the approval of the recommendations.”
Labour’s Brecon East councillors Liz Rijnenberg and Chris Walsh jointly said: “This has been a lengthy process, but it has been important to consider all the different viewpoints and reach a balanced decision.
“We are of the view that the proposed measures will improve the safety of pedestrians and reduce inconsiderate parking.”
The “inconsiderate parking” issues were first highlighted in 2020 following a survey held by the county councillors for Brecon.
This said that 93 per cent of respondents felt that there was difficulty parking near their homes.
The decision is subject to a possible call in for scrutiny by councillors and will not come into force for five clear days following the decision.
This means it should come into force by Tuesday, September 3.