Parking bay proposal in bid to boost town centre

ONE hour on-street parking bays could be introduced in Bridgend town centre under plans to improve access.

The proposal has been revealed by senior councillors as they move a step closer to the partial reversal of pedestrianisation.

Bridgend County Borough Council’s cabinet has agreed to commission detailed designs while undertaking a formal consultation into the proposed changes which it said would create an additional “gateway” into Bridgend.

Developed following requests from traders, the proposals could see drivers being able to access Queen Street, Dunraven Place and Market Street and use new parking bays to nip into town and visit local shops.

The plans, which are dependent upon suitable funding becoming available, would see two crossings and a 20mph limit introduced to ensure the safety of pedestrians, and the carriageway edges would also need to be clearly marked with bollards and street furniture to prevent vehicles from mounting the kerb.

Following informal consultation with South Wales Police and organisations such as Bridgend Equalities Forum, SHOUT, BridgendVIS, People 1st Bridgend, the Stroke Association and Bridgend Youth Cabinet, a number of changes have been suggested.

The council said South Wales Police have also asked for a fully detailed design to be produced to ensure that all road safety issues have been accounted for.

As a result, the cabinet has agreed to commission detailed designs while undertaking a formal consultation on the proposed changes to establish a permanent new Traffic Order for the scheme.

Councillor Charles Smith, cabinet member for education and regeneration, said: “These proposals recognise that shopping patterns have changed and have been identified by local businesses as something that could support town centre trade, but it is absolutely essential that they are introduced in a safe manner that does not put pedestrians at risk, and that appropriate funding is sourced for the work.

“A Traffic Order has to be established before any changes can be made and a formal consultation period must be observed as part of this process, so we are undertaking this now while more detailed plans are drawn up.”

The council said that more details about how people can take part in the Traffic Order consultation will be issued soon.