Tweaks possible for Newtown centre

TWEAKS could be made to a proposed on street waiting, loading bays and parking modifications in the centre of Newtown following consultation responses.

Back in November 2022 the cabinet member for a greener Powys, Cllr Jackie Charlton took the decision to go ahead with a public consultation period on the proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

The need for the new TRO follows the creation of a one-way traffic system in the town centre last year.

The consultation took place in from December 2 and January 1 on proposals modified parking bays along the High Street, and to introduce certain controls to address inconsiderate and obstructive parking in the vicinity of Wesley Street and Broad Street.

The stumbling block has been the proposals has been the response to proposal to change parking around Penygloddfa primary school along Llanfair (Caereinion) Road and School Lane.

Traffic systems manager, Tony Caine said: “One comment and 10 objections were received with respect to the prohibition of waiting proposals along School Lane and Llanfair Road.

“No representations were received with respect to any of the other proposals in Newtown.”

Mr Caine advises Cllr Charlton to “note but overrule” all objections received during the public consultation process.

Mr Caine explains that his recommendation is because vehicles parked where no waiting at any time prohibitions are proposed would “disrupt the safe and free flow of two-way traffic movements” all day.

Cllr Joy Jones has confirmed support for the traffic management
proposals within the Newtown East ward where no objections were
received.

Cllr Pete Lewington in the Newtown West ward support the introduction of the proposals along Llanfair Road.

But Cllr Lewington said that he “understands the points raised by the objectors,” on the changes proposed to School Lane.

Cllr Lewington supports changing a small section of the no waiting at any time prohibitions along School Lane from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm.

This would allow some on street parking to continue along a section of School Lane outside of school hours.

This gives Cllr Charlton two options to consider, to go ahead with the original plan or plump for the alternative option for School Lane.

The decision will be taken on Tuesday, April 25.

Due to the council’s cabinet member delegated decision process, five days will be allowed to pass just in case the decision is “called-in” by councillors for scrutiny before it comes into force.

The other proposals cover parts of Shortbridge Street and Gas Street between the Post Office and the War Memorial where parking issues have also been identified.
Changes to goods vehicle loading bays will also take place along the High Street.
The TRO will also remove the maximum 20 minutes loading and one hour no return restrictions from the existing bays on Severn Street, Shortbridge Street and Market Street.