Ceredigion ​Council approves the undertaking of consultation process for Aberystwyth promenade car parking charges

At a Ceredigion Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 03 September 2024, the Cabinet agreed to support the undertaking of a consultation process on the proposals for charging for parking along parts of Aberystwyth promenade.
 
The scheme is designed to better manage parking demand within Aberystwyth and encourage use of the Council’s off-street car parks for parking demand that would be more appropriately met through off-street car park provision. This will be achieved by a balance of adjusting existing parking policy in respect of the location, availability and relative cost of parking between on street and off-street provision through reduced cost seasonal off-street options.
 
The introduction of on-street parking charges will sustain the costs of operation of the proposed scheme. Should any surplus income be achieved, it would be used to support funding of other essential public services provided by Ceredigion County Council which fall within the scope of what is permitted under Section 55 of the RTRA 1984.
 
It is considered that sufficient spare parking capacity exists within Ceredigion County Council and private off-street car parks (including those to be developed) and other regulated on street locations and the displacement of parking is therefore not anticipated as a potential negative outcome of this scheme.
 
Some of the benefits from the scheme are:

• Increased on-street parking turnover

• Anticipated increased trade
• Greater use of public transport and interchange between travel modes
• Reduction in traffic congestion and improved traffic flow around traffic sensitive areas of the town
• Promote greater levels of active travel Under the proposed scheme

 
Blue Badge holders would be exempt from charges and any time restrictions when parking in a charged for space subject to them displaying their Blue Badge in the prescribed manner. This exemption already applies in respect of limited waiting bays and therefore there would be no effective change or detrimental impact from the scheme in relation to on-street parking for blue badge holders.
 
Councillor Keith Henson, Ceredigion’s Cabinet Member responsible for Highways, said: “Aberystwyth promenade is a valuable location at the centre of the town. The purpose of the scheme is to create a turnover of traffic to enable more cars to come and go without negatively affecting the county's economy. Soon, the consultation process on the proposals put forward will begin so please make sure you respond to the consultation.”
 
A consultation process on the proposals put forward will commence shortly and as part of this there will be an opportunity for stakeholders, including residents, businesses/staff, and visitors to share their views. Further details will be provided in due course.
 
Findings of the consultation will be reported to Cabinet prior to any decision in relation to the implementation of the proposal.