The town centre Car Park in Winter

No matter the weather, or the time of year; our car park just isn't man enough for the job!

Hay-on-Wye Oxford Street car park Thursday 22nd December, it's busy, hopefully that's an indication of how our shops are doing, despite Powys County Council's refusal to grant free parking in the lead up to Christmas.

Let us hope the current councillors, or those voted into power to replace them in the local elections in May 2012, will do everythng to encourage visitors and local trade.

Christmas Lights in Hay - Will they still be shining next year?

Hay-on-Wye by Night. Powys County Council, please don't destroy our town.

Cllr. Geraint Hopkins are you Listening?

West End parking fees are madness, Mary Portas tells No 10

From the (London ) Evening Standard - Tuesday 12th December

New parking charges in the West End are to be branded "sheer madness" in a report ordered by David Cameron.

TV retail expert Mary Portas, who has led a government-commissioned review into saving high streets, will issue the starkest warning yet against Westminster council's plan for new evening and weekend levies.

The Evening Standard understands that her report, to be published tomorrow, will even suggest that the new parking regime is being introduced "under the pretence" of tackling congestion when it is in fact to raise money - which could be unlawful.

"In central London, for example, much has been made of the decision to penalise those wishing to shop out of hours by imposing additional parking restrictions on the pretence that late-night traffic needs to be managed," the report is expected to say. "This is just sheer madness and the only upside I can see is extra revenues generated for the council."

The damning report comes as cash-strapped Westminster unveiled a public services revolution to save millions of pounds, floating a raft of controversial changes to benefits, libraries, keeping the streets clean, as well as new licensing and tourism levies.

Read what Mary says about regeneration of our town centres

http://www.maryportas.com/news/2011/12/12/my-28-recommendations/

The Portas Review

An Independent Review into the Future of our High Streets

The following list is a summary of my 28 recommendations:

1. Put in place a “Town Team”: a visionary, strategic and strong operational management team for high streets

2. Empower successful Business Improvement Districts to take on more responsibilities and powers and become “Super-BIDs”

3. Legislate to allow landlords to become high street investors by contributing to their Business Improvement District

4. Establish a new “National Market Day” where budding shopkeepers can try their hand at operating a low-cost retail business

5. Make it easier for people to become market traders by removing unnecessary regulations so that anyone can trade on the high street unless there is a valid reason why not

6. Government should consider whether business rates can better support small businesses and independent retailers

7. Local authorities should use their new discretionary powers to give business rate concessions to new local businesses

8. Make business rates work for business by reviewing the use of the RPI with a view to changing the calculation to CPI

9. Local areas should implement free controlled parking schemes that work for their town centres and we should have a new parking league table

10. Town Teams should focus on making high streets accessible, attractive and safe

11. Government should include high street deregulation as part of their ongoing work on freeing up red tape

12. Address the restrictive aspects of the ‘Use Class’ system to make it easier to change the uses of key properties on the high street

13. Put betting shops into a separate ‘Use Class’ of their own

14. Make explicit a presumption in favour of town centre development in the wording of the National Planning Policy Framework

15. Introduce Secretary of State “exceptional sign off ” for all new out-of-town developments and require all large new developments to have an “affordable shops” quota

16. Large retailers should support and mentor local businesses and independent retailers

17. Retailers should report on their support of local high streets in their annual report

18. Encourage a contract of care between landlords and their commercial tenants by promoting the leasing code and supporting the use of lease structures other than upward only rent reviews, especially for small businesses

19. Explore further disincentives to prevent landlords from leaving units vacant

20. Banks who own empty property on the high street should either administer these assets well or be required to sell them

21. Local authorities should make more proactive use of Compulsory Purchase Order powers to encourage the redevelopment of key high street retail space

22. Empower local authorities to step in when landlords are negligent with new “Empty Shop Management Orders”

23. Introduce a public register of high street landlords

24. Run a high profile campaign to get people involved in Neighbourhood Plans

25. Promote the inclusion of the High Street in Neighbourhood Plans

26. Developers should make a financial contribution to ensure that the local community has a strong voice in the planning system

27. Support imaginative community use of empty properties through Community Right to Buy, Meanwhile Use and a new “Community Right to Try”

28. Run a number of High Street Pilots to test proof of concept

Well done Mary !

Snippits

Heaven Help Us

On Armistice Day, 11th November, our vicar Father Richard (Seen mostly accompanied by the curate ‘Jimmy’ his Standard Poodle) was running late to conduct the Remembrance Service. In haste, and probably in error, Father Richard parked his car in Castle Street, returning just one hour and fifteen minutes later - to find it ticketed.

Apparently Father Richard’s appeal to the Council against the ticket fell on deaf ears.

It’s a little humbling to realise that our Civil Enforcement Officers endeavour to carry out their duties to the letter, whatever the event and irrespective of the circumstances.

Who was it who said the law can be an ass?


“Yes they were”, “No they weren’t”, “Yes they were!”

Another fruitful discussion held with council officers. Last Saturday there were two Civil Enforcemnt Officers (sorry it’s too boring – I’ll just call them traffic wardens, everyone else does!) in Hay. Yes there were!

Sorry, No there weren’t. Two traffic wardens were on rota to be on duty in south Powys, one in Hay and one in Brecon, so there can’t have been two in Hay!

Yes they were; and the tickets they issued prove it.

Are they on commission?


Overheard

Poor Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe doesn’t seem to be flavour of the month at the moment. Ever since the prospect of a new supermarket raised its ugly head in Hay – and became almost the sole topic of conversation in the town, Gareth Ratcliffe, as ward councillor for Hay-on-Wye has tried to follow a non-committal course trying as best he can to represent both pro and anti supermarket. Almost inevitably this has enamoured him to neither side and he has been the undeserved recipient of snide comments, disparaging asides and even vilification.

We know someone who is apparently pleased at this turn of events. One of our much admired Parking Wardens was overheard to say “At least he won’t be around after the elections in May”

All we know is that Councillor Ratcliffe has worked tirelessly for the community and has always been a strong supporter of our campaign.

It's really crap news from Powys County Council

Oh dear Councillor Geraint Hopkins and Council Officers Phil Jackson and Kevin Lloyd, you’ve broken your word!

Perhaps it was too good to be true but at our meeting at Powys County Council’s offices at Llandrindod Wells on Tuesday 11th October at which we presented CRAP’s ideas for a county wide approach to car parking and traffic management, Councillor Geraint Hopkins (Powys County Council Cabinet Member and Portfolio Holder Environment and Regulation, responsible for Traffic and Parking) together with Phil Jackson, (Powys Transportation and Development Control Manager) and Kevin Lloyd (Powys Car Parks Manager) promised “to respond to the campaign’s proposals in detail by the beginning of December.”

Unfortunately Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe, Hay-on-Wye’s local councillor and an enthusiastic supporter of the CRAP campaign, reports that he has been told that Councillor Hopkins and the officers will be unable to respond as promised in December – but “will do so in the New Year” !

We shall see – words are cheap and it is about time that councillors making promises should be held accountable when they break their word!

REMEMBER Council elections are getting closer. We should use our votes to elect candidates who are hard-working, reliable, honest and KEEP THEIR WORD

What About The Rest of Wales?

Which Welsh Councils issue Residents’ Parking Permits and at what cost?

We thought it would be interesting to find out how many Welsh Councils have taken over Civil Parking Enforcement responsibilities from the police; which have provided designated Residents’ Parking Zones, how many issue Residents Parking Permits and at what costs?

It seems the results are very different throughout the country and although our survey is not complete, it does give some indication of the levels of enforcement and charges currently being levied.

We are very concerned that Powys County Council do not impose any exorbitant charges when (and if) they introduce Residents’ Parking Permits. Any charges must reflect the costs of the scheme’s administration but not charged at a rate which will be regarded as untoward and prohibitive by those affected. Councillors should remember that 2012 is an election year!

Discussions with officers responsible for parking in councils all over Wales have proved illuminating. Some authorities have gone to considerable lengths to produce carefully thought out schemes that cater for residents’ demands; others have muddled along or merely inherited historic rules.

It was interesting to note that in Blaenau Gwent, it was considered more important that Civil Enforcement Officers should be responsible for policing the ever present problem of dog fouling rather than car parking.

Communications between the various authorities and some commonality could be to the advantage of all!

In passing, it has been reported that free parking in council run Car Parks has been introduced by various councils in Wales for a variety of reasons, and some only in the lead up to Christmas. Most are convinced however that free car parking will give a “boost to businesses in town centres”. It is interesting to note that the opinion that the presence of and levels of car parking charges have a direct effect on people's shopping preferences, seems to be a 'taken'.

Well done Llanelli, Wrexham, Newport, Caerphilly and Gwynedd. A black mark against Carmarthen which is planning to introduce parking meters to the town centre, a plan bitterly opposed by local businesses.


Blaenau Gwent
Police remain responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council Enforcement Officers responsible for controlling dog fouling.
Residents’ Parking Permits
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £ nil

Bridgend County Borough Council
Council taking over CPE from Police, awaiting cabinet approval.
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Holders of Residents’ Parking Permits also permitted to park in some Pay and Display car parks. Residents’ Parking Permits limited to one per resident
Cost £ nil

Caerphilly County Borough Council,
Police responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council now looking into taking over. “When rather than if”
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Currently
2 Residents Parking Permits per household
Cost £ nil
Proposed
2 Residents Parking Permits per household
Cost £30 p.a.

Cardiff County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Cost First Permit £5 p.a.
Second Permit £30 p.a.
Third Permit £45 p.a.
Fourth Permit (or more) £60 p.a.

Carmarthenshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household plus Visitors’ Parking Permit.
Cost £30 p.a.
Care Permit granted to Health Visitors etc.
Cost £ nil
Business Permit
Cost £50 p.a.

Ceredigion County Council
Police gave up responsibility for Civil parking Enforcement in May 2011and Council will be taking over in May 2012.
No Residents’ Parking Zones or Residents Parking Permits will be introduced for at least six months after CPE responsibilities are taken over.

Conwy County Borough Council
Council responsible for CPE., currently looking into expanding Residents’ Parking scheme.
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents’ Parking Zones
Residents’ Parking Permits holders are permitted to park in some limited waiting areas and some Pay and Display car parks.
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost First permit £ nil
Second Permit £50 p.a.

Denbighshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
1 or 2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household, depenent upon available parking spaces.
Cost £25 p.a.

Flintshire County Council
Council have not yet adopted CPE, envisaged take over “next Summer”.
No designated Residents’ Parking Zones

Gwynedd
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Cost £50 p.a.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Civil Parking Enforcement being taken over from police on Jan 12 2012
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits or 1 Residents’ and 1 Visitors’ Permit permitted per household.
Cost. £34. p.a.

Monmouthshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £30 p.a.

Neath Port Talbot
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permit permitted per household
Cost £20 p.a.

Newport
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost £10 p.a.

Pembrokeshire County Council
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Over 50 designated Residents Parking Zones
Residents Parking Permits
Cost £35 p.a.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Police responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement; Council taking over “on the horizon”.
Residents Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
Residents’ parking Permits limited to 1 per person
Cost £ nil

City and County of Swansea County Hall
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones
2 Residents Parking Permits permitted per household
Cost £ nil

Vale of Glamorgan
Council responsible for CPE
Residents' Parking Permits
1 Residents Parking Permit permitted per person
Cost £ nil

Wrexham
Council responsible for CPE
Residents’ Parking Permits
Designated Residents Parking Zones planned, Policy “in situ”
Planned cost £60 p.a.

Answers to Cllr. Ratcliffe's Questions

Revealing Answers to Cllr Ratcliffe's Questions

Following the questions asked by Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe of Powys County Council, Cllr. G G Hopkins, Portfolio holder for Environment and Regulation, has provided the following response.

For interest, percentages have been added.

These are results after only six months of Powys being responsible for Civil Parking Enforcement and from the total monies received, it must be presumed that costs to date, including wages for nine CEOs, their vehicles, travel and expenses, plus of course administration, supervision etc. etc., have not been covered by income!

Does this mean that extra income must be found through increasing enforcement and more tickets being issued, or would a more rational approach be to cut costs? Perhaps the best approach might be to cut the greatest cost – the wages and associated costs of the nine Civil Enforcement Officers?

1. The number of tickets (Penalty Charge Notices PCN's) issued - 2962

2. The number of off-street tickets (PCNs) issued - 979 (33%)

3. The number of on-street tickets (PCNs) issued - 1983 (67%)

4. The number of tickets paid within 14 days.
(i.e. PCN's paid within discount period) - 2075 (70%)

5. The number of appeals (received) - 555 (19%)

6. The number of successful appeals - 180 (32% of appeals to date)
The appeal process takes time, it will be interesting to see the number and percentage of appeals that are registered (and subsequently succeed) over a longer period.

7. How much income has this generated for the council - £70,969.66

Draw your own conclusions!

Questions to the Council

6 months since Powys took over CPE from the Police

On 6th October, almost six months to the day since Powys County Council took over responsibility for Civil Parking Enforcement from Dyfed-powys Police, Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe forwarded the following question to Powys County Council Cabinet Business Manager Stepehen Boyd for the attention of the Member for Highways.

It has now been over six months since the council took over Civil Parking Enforcement. Can the Cabinet Member report back on progress and the following:

1. The number of tickets (Penalty Charge Notices) issued
2. The number of off-street tickets (PCNs) issued
3. The number of on-street tickets (PCNs) issued
4. The number of tickets (PCNs) paid within 14 days
5. The number of appeals
6. The number of successful appealers
7. How much income has this generated for the council

Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe
Hay-on-Wye Ward

Hopefull this will give us some idea of the financial effectiveness of Civil Parking Enforcement and how many of PCNs issued are subject to appeal. As yet, it will difficult to ascertain the percentage of successful appeals against the number issues, but this figure must be known in order to get some idea of the income generated against the effort of issuing them. Only time will tell!

Money made from Car parks in Powys

Parking Bays in Powys and 2010 – 2011 Income

Brecknockshire

TOTALS 21 Car Parks – 1,794 Parking Bays – Total Income £508,821
(£283.62 per Parking Bay)

Builth Wells population 2,352
The Groe 99 bays £42,500
Smithfield 193 bays £6,750
TOTAL 292 bays £49,250

1 bay per 8.05 people
Income £168.66 per bay £20.94 per head of population

Brecon population 7,901
Alexandra Road 23 bays £4,950
Canal Road 50 bays £9,975
Dinas Road 26 bays £10,560
(short stay) George Street 195 bays £101,243
Kensington 33 bays £15,424
Lorry/Coach Park 16 bays £3,986
Promenade 72 bays £11,350
Market Street 27 bays £11,233
New County Hall 75 bays £8,650
Scout Lane 17 bays £5,300
Theatre 70 bays £10,890
The Watton 250 bays £45,340
(short stay) Viaduct 35 bays £23,100
TOTAL 889 bays £262,001

1 bay per 8.89 people
Income £294.71 per bay £33.16 per head of population

Crickhowell population 1,503
Beaufort Street 115 bays £43,670
TOTAL 115 bays £43,670

1 bay per 13.07 people
Income £379.74 per bay £29.06 per head of population

Hay-on-Wye population 1,467
Oxford Road 358 bays £127,486
(short stayMarket Square 40 bays £12,435
TOTAL 398 bays £139,921

1 bay per 3.69 people
Income £351.56 per bay £95.38 per head of population

Ystradgynlais population 9,004
Heol Maesydre 73 bays £7,750
Heol Eglwys 27 bays £6,250
TOTAL 100 bays £14,000

1 bay per 90.04 people
Income £140.00 per bay £1.55 per head of population


Montgomeryshire

TOTALS 9 Car Parks – 2,075 Parking Bays – Total Gross Income £521,205
(£251.18 per Parking Bay)

Llanidloes population 2,796
Mount Street 45 bays £9,450
TOTAL £9,450

1 bay per 62.13 people
Income £210.00 per bay £3.38 per head of population


Machynlleth population 2,147
Bro Dyfi 45 bays
Maengwyn 298 bays £52,435
TOTAL 343 bays £52,435

1 bay per 6.26 people
Income £152.87 per bay £24.42 per head of population

Newtown population 12,783
Back Lane 477 bays £135,450
Gravel 275 bays £66,340
(short stay) Ladywell 53 bays £40,150
TOTAL 805 bays £241,940

1 bay per 15.88 people
Income £300.55 per bay £18.93 per head of population

Welshpool population 6,269
Berriew Street 535 bays £89,300
Church Street 307 bays £92,100
(short stay) Severn Stars 40 bays £35,980
TOTAL 882 bays £217,380

1 bay per 7.11 people
Income £246.46 per bay £34.68 per head of population

Radnorshire

TOTALS 8 Car Parks – 584 Parking Bays – Total Gross Income £96,249
(£164.81 per Parking Bay)

Knighton population 1,489
Bowling Green Lane 175 bays £9,660
(short stay) Norton Arms 46 bays £15,230
TOTAL 221 bays £24,890

1 bay per 6.74 people
Income £112.62 per bay £16.72 per head of population

Llandrindod Wells population 5,024
High Street 118 bays £22,189
(short stay) Middleton Street 45 bays £14,375
Town Hall* £3,250
TOTAL 163 bays £39,814

1 bay per 30.82 people
Income £224.32 per bay £7.92 per head of population

Presteigne population 2,463
Hereford Street 38 bays £6,505
High Street 55 bays £6,450
TOTAL 93 bays £12,955

1 bay per 30.82 people
Income £139.30 per bay £5.26 per head of population

Rhayader population 2,075
Dark Lane 59 bays £18,650
TOTAL 59 bays £18,650

1 bay per 35.17 people
Income £316.10 per bay £8.99 per head of population

* Landrindod Wells Town Hall Car Park. No record of parking bays available.


NOTES

The above statistics are provided for interest only and one should be wary of drawing any particular conclusions from the results. Town Car Parks are used by residents and perhaps more importantly, by people visiting the town, whether for shopping or tourism.

High use of (and resulting income derived from) car parks may be due to any of a number of factors including:

Lack of alternative free off and/or on-street parking for both residents and visitors. Regular livestock market or other town centre activity.
Tourist and visitor traffic.
Successful town centre shopping/leisure attractions.
Poor local public transport resulting in increased private car usage.

The income figures were taken from Powys County Council records. Population figures were taken from several sources and may not be entirely accurate.


Powys County Council own (or are responsible for) an additional six (6) car parks controlled my nil-charging parking orders and an additional 30 car parks with no parking orders on them where no charges are made.

Car Park Charges

Car Parking Charges (where applicable) for both long and short term Car Parks are standardised across the county. (with listed exceptions)

Up to 1 hr. Up to 2 hrs. Up to 4 hrs. Over 4 hrs Overnight

Motor Cars £0.50 £1.00 £2.00 £2.50 nil
Vehicle & Trailer £1.50 £1.50 £3.00 £3.00 nil
Vehicles up to 3t £1.70 £2.30 £3.20 £3.20 nil
Vehicles over 3t £1.90 £2.70 £3.50 £4.20 nil

Llandrindod Wells Town Hall Car Park

Up to 1 hr. Up to 2 hrs.

Motor Cars £0.20 £0.50

Brecon Theatr Brycheinog

Up to 4 hrs. Over 4 hrs

£0.50 £1.00

Overnight & extended period Parking

Notices in Powys Car Parks do not mention any option of parking overnight or for extended periods. Parking is however permitted for periods longer than 24 hours by purchasing tickets to the value of the proposed stay in multiples of the Over 4 hour charge for each day of the proposed stay. The purchased tickets must be displayed in the vehicle in the normal manner such that purchase date and monies paid can be inspected by Civil Enforcement Officers and other authorised persons. Tourist Offices are able to advise visitors of this unpublicised facilty.

TEXT OF THE FINAL PROPOSALS

Click on any image to enlarge

Hurrah! The Final Proposal

Powys, the Ball's in Your Court Now

(If you can't read any of these plans, just click on them to enlarge in another window. See our next blog for the full text of the proposals)

Powys, The Balls in Your Court Now!

Well it's taken almost six months but we've finished at last.

Above are the plans that accompany our completed proposal showing the suggested RPZs,(Restricted Parking Zones to the unitiated!) that Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe will be presented to Powys County Council on 13th December on behalf of all at CRAP and the people of Hay-on-Wye.

We've kept our side of the bargain, now it's up to the officers and politicians at Powys to put our hard work to good use. Hopefully some of these proposals will be used as a blueprint for the promised countywide parking and traffic management investigation and proposals.

County elections are due next year and we shall be keeping a very close watch on what elected members do from this point forward. We've said it before, but we'll say it again

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Plans of New (Amended) Proposals

Important note

Parking Proposals for Hay-on-Wye

PLEASE LOOK AT OUR September 11th 2011 BLOGS:

Text of the Final Proposals

and

Hurrah The Final Proposals

We note a number of visitors to our Blog have been looking at our 8th August 2011 'Full Text of CRAP's Parking Proposals for Hay-on-Wye.'The final plans and proposals submitted to Powys County Council prepared for the meeting scheduled for September 2011 but postponed and eventually held in October 2011, can be found on our two blogs of 30th August 2011:

'Text of the Final Proposals'and for the accompanying plans:'Hurrah The Final Proposals'

Please look at these two entries for the proposals finally submitted.Other blogs listed the preliminary proposals which were open for discussion and amended as the result of comments received.

Updated Proposals

Parking Proposals for Hay-on-Wye

PLEASE LOOK AT OUR September 11th 2011 BLOGS:

Text of the Final Proposals
and
Hurrah The Final Proposals

We note a number of visitors to our Blog have been looking at our 8th August 2011 'Full Text of CRAP's Parking Proposals for Hay-on-Wye.'The final plans and proposals submitted to Powys County Council prepared for the meeting scheduled for September 2011 but postponed and eventually held in October 2011, can be found on our two blogs of 30th August 2011:'Text of the Final Proposals' and for the accompanying plans: 'Hurrah The Final Proposals' Please look at these two entries for the proposals finally submitted. Other blogs listed the preliminary proposals which were open for discussion and amended as the result of comments received.

Campaign for a Realistic Approach to Parking

HAY-ON-WYE PARKING PROPOSALS 2011

* Information in italics details explanations and suggested amendments resulting from public consultation *

It is proposed that the town be divided into the following zones or areas.

ZONE 1. MAIN RETAIL AREA

Zone 1. has been slightly amended and the area below (North) the clock tower has been excluded. To to reflect demand for Parking in Zone 1. for residents living in the town centre, three (3) dedicated Residents’ Parking Bays have been created from previously proposed 30 minute RPZs and seven (7) 1 hour RPZ spaces taken out of Zone 1. and placed into Zone 2. (where residents’ parking is permitted in 1 hour RPZs)

Parking in Zone 1 will be restricted to:

Pay & Display Car Park in Market Square

Disabled Parking in defined bays both within the Pay & Display Car Park and on-street as shown on attached plan.

Restricted Parking Zones with 30 minute & 1 hour time limits as shown on plan.

Limited Residents’ only Parking Zones. (see plan)

Parking restrictions will allow for market operations on Thursdays and authorised ‘special events’

PROPOSED CHANGES

It is proposed that Powys County Council conduct a feasibility study into the practicality of making Lion Street One-Way from the clock tower to its junction with Castle Street. Vehicles travelling down Castle Street will turn right on entering Lion Street.

This would allow the road in Lion Street to be widened above the Clock Tower entailing the removal of a small area of pavement to the line of the original verge stones. This would allow one additional disabled and two or three 30 minute Parking Bays to be created.

Suggested changes and additions to previously proposed parking bays within Zone 1.

Two (2) (Not three (3) as previously suggested) 30 minute parking bays created in Lion street, approximately outside Hay Deli. This RPZ, positioned in the widest part of that section of Lion Street, will formalise what is common parking practice, allow larger vehicles to turn right on entering from Castle Street yet address the concern expressed by some traders of leaving space for unloading service vehicles.

One (1) extra 30 minute bay can be created at the Western end of Castle Street close to junction with Belmont Road.

Three (3) new Residents’ Only parking bays will formalise existing unregulated parking at junction of Castle Lane and Bull Ring.

ZONE 2. RESIDENTIAL SIDE STREETS ADJACENT TO MAIN RETAIL AREA

Timed RPZs with Residents Parking permitted *

* Of the two alternatives presented in the original proposal document and discussed at the 25th August meeting, this was voted by a large majority as being the most appropriate and practical.

Parking in this area will be restricted to:

Residents’ Parking Zones as shown on plan. Parking restricted between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Saturday* to vehicles displaying a current Residents’ Parking Permit only.

30 minute & 1 hour Restricted Parking Zones as shown on plan. Parking restricted between 8:00am and 6:00pm Monday to Saturday to vehicles displaying a current Residents’ Parking Permit, (1 hour RPZs only) vehicles parked in accordance with displayed time limitations.

The meeting and respondents to CRAP’s questionnaire to the change parking restriction times from existing hours of 8:00am to 6:00pm were split equally between no change and a variety of suggested alternative times. A considerable majority wanted restrictions to apply Monday to Saturday only, rather than seven days. It is therefore proposed that CRAP recommend all RPZs should be valid from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday.

Reaction was split to the proposal that an exception to the proposal to limit RPZs in Zone 2 primarily to 1 hour parking was the suggestion that the RPZ outside the Swan Hotel should be an 8:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Saturday 2 hour limit. Unless a convincing argument is received for not recommending this 2 hour zone (with Residents’ parking permitted) being allowed, the plan will stand.

Numerous respondents and the audience at the Public Meeting expressed concern about the excessive speed of traffic in Hay, particularly in Church Street and on to Brecon Road. Three suggestions were made to address the problem.

To create a 20mph speed limit throughout the town

Create a 1 hour RPZ in Church Street just North of and opposite Harley’s Almshouses to create chicane effect to slow traffic

To establish a mini roundabout on Brecon Road at end of Forest Road to control traffic flow and excessive speeds.

It is prposed that CRAP should not recommend any one or all of these ideas but Powys County Council should be resquested to conduct feasibility studies into all three proposals.

It was felt that pressure to remove parking from outside the Cinema Bookshop should be resisted as this RPZ does have the effect of moderating traffic speeds in Church Street.

Suggested changes and additions to proposed suggested parking bays within Zone 2.

Three (3) 1 hour bays in the RPZ in Broad Street, East of junction with Chancery Lane will be taken out of the reduced Zone 1 and put into Zone 2. Residents will enjoy parking rights in those bays.

Four (4) 1 hour parking bays created by formalising existing unregulated bays outside Council Offices below Clock Tower, suspended on Thursdays for market operations, have been taken out of Zone 1 and placed into Zone 2. Residents will enjoy parking rights in those bays.

It is recommended that ‘H’ bars be painted on to roads within RPZs where parked vehicles could impinge on reasonable vehicular or pedestrian access to properties. (access to The Gardens in Heol-y-Dwr and to The Forge in Lion Street)

ZONE 3. DESIGNATED OFF-ROAD PARKING AREAS

Current designated Off-Road car parking is provided by the Oxford Road Pay and Display Car Park.
This is proving frequently unable to meet demand from visitors to Hay, particularly in summer months, on market days, Bank Holidays and when special events are taking place in the town and that extra off-road car parking is urgently required.

It was almost universally commented that lack of available visitor parking will have a detrimental and perhaps irreversible effect on commerce in the town. Various longer term car parking options were suggested including:

1. New Parking site over the Wye bridge
2. Out of town site servicing Park and Ride facility into centre of Hay.
3. Current school site when Junior School relocates to new site beside surgery. (estimated 3 to 5 years)
4. Current Community Centre site when centre relocates to new site beside surgery. (estimated 3 to 5 years)
5. Extra spaces being provided at new School/Community Centre site beside surgery. (estimated 3 – 5 years) It was thought that these extra spaces might be earmarked for coach and longer term parking.
6. Expand existing Oxford Road Car Park

1 & 2 were minority suggestions, 6 was almost universally rejected as undesirable and whilst 3,4 & 5 were considered desirable, they would be implemented too late to address the immediate problem.

The suggested option of creating a mix of residents’ and visitor parking in the cattle market was considered a realistic and desirable short term alternative.

It is proposed therefore that CRAP should recommend that Council should ensure that the new lease awarded for the cattle market (the current lease expires in March 2011) should allow for use of part of the site as a mix of residents’ and Off-Street (perhaps Pay and Display) and Residents’ Parking.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS & SIGNAGE

It is proposed that parking restrictions in Hay-on-Wye should be limited to the following:

No Parking Areas

1. Double yellow lines - No Parking at any time with certain exceptions for loading and unloading etc.

2. Double yellow lines + No Loading sign – No parking at any time other than for emergency vehicles.

Pay and Display Parking

It is proposed that for the benefit of longer term visitors and to obviate the necessity of an early visit to the car park to ‘feed’ the meter, the Pay and Display machine software in the Oxford Road Car Park is adapted to allow tickets to be issued for up to 5 days in multiples of 24 hour periods.

This proposal was almost universally supported although it was suggested that longer term parking could be provided in an expanded car park close to the surgery site when that is developed.

Additional Residents’ and Pay and Display Parking could be provided in the Cattle Market car park, available when the market is not in use.

Disabled Parking Bays

Parking restricted to vehicles displaying current Disabled badge.

Residents Only Parking

Valid Monday to Saturday, during hours of 8:00am to 6:00pm. As far as possible, marked bays will be used to prevent misuse, dangerous and inconsiderate parking.

Time Restricted Parking Zones

There will be no special dispensation for residents’ vehicles parking outside designated Residents’ parking RPZs within Zone 1. or in 30 minute Restricted Parking Zones.

Time Restricted Parking Zones as shown on plan will be:

1. Monday to Saturday
8:00am – 6:00pm
30 minutes Parking,
No return within 2 hours

2. Monday to Saturday
8:00am – 6:00pm
1 Hour Parking,
No return within 2 hours

3. Monday to Saturday
8:00am – 6:00pm
2 Hours Parking,
No return within 2 hours

PARKING PERMITS

Powys Parking Permit

Cost: 12 months - £150.00 6 months - £80.00 3 months - £40.00

Currently obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number.

Entitles registered vehicle displaying valid permit to park in certain of Powys council’s long term car parks.

Residents’ Parking Permit

The urgent need for the introduction of Residents’ Parking Permits was universally supported. There was divided support for how they should be funded. A minority felt that residents paying council tax should be entitled to a Residents’ Parking permit without cost whilst a significant majority felt that a ‘nominal’ cost, along the lines of CRAP’s suggested charges, was appropriate and more likely to be accepted by Powys.

Concern was expressed by many in questionnaires returned, and vocally at the Public Meeting, that the residential qualification for granting of a Residents Parking Zone, should be strict and second home owners should not qualify.

Kirsty Williams A.M. offered to research Residents Parking charges and residential qualifications used by other authorities throughout Wales. This information is awaited and will hopefully be included in CRAP’s final proposal document.

Limited to vehicles registered to a qualifying address, or if registered keeper elsewhere, subject to proof of residence. Permit surrendered if vehicle sold or moves from registered address.

Ownership or display of a Residents’ Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place.
Residents are forbidden from placing cones or barriers in the road to reserve a parking place without specific authorisation.
Vehicles must be parked within defined Parking Bays where marked.
Ownership or display of a Residents’ Parking Permit does obviate compliance with time parking restrictions within Zone 1. or in 30 minute Restricted Parking Zones.

Residents’ Parking Permits will be issued for a period of 12 months and limited to a maximum of three Permits per residence (unit of occupation liable for council tax) in Hay-on-Wye.

Cost: 1 Permit - £20.00 2nd Permit - £50.00 3rd Permit £100

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number.

Entitles registered vehicle displaying valid permit to park for any period in any Residents Only Restricted Parking Zone in Hay or any 1 Hour or 2 Hour RPZ outside Zone 1.

Special Dispensation Parking Permit (SD)

Cost: 12 months £ NIL

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number. Designed for use by essential workers/services, doctors,
nurses, health visitors etc. To be displayed only when on call.

Allows vehicle to park in any Residents Only or One Hour or Two Hour Time Restricted Parking Zone within Hay-on-Wye outside Zone 1. for a maximum of two hours.

This proposal received universal support with one recipient suggesting clerics be added to the list of qualifying persons.

Hay-on-Wye Trade Dispensation Parking Permit (TD) *

Cost: (?) 12 months - £150 6 months - £80 3 months £40

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number. Designed for use by traders and local businesses who may
prove essential use of their vehicle during the working day.

Limited to one permit per business rate payer and valid Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 am
to 6:00 pm. Allows vehicle on which displayed to be parked in any of the town’s present or future Long Term Car Parks or in any of the listed 1 hour or 2 hour Restricted Parking Zones outside Zone 1. for a maximum of four hours with no return within 2 hours

This suggestion was rejected by a majority of recipients and the audience at the Public Meeting who felt that traders should park in the Oxford Road Car Park. If permitted, parking time in Zone 2. RPZs should be limited to 2 hours rather than 4.

Concern has been expressed for the plight of shop employees, many on low wages, who live out of town but must park in Hay. It was suggested that if a Trade Dispensation Certificate was granted, employees should similarly benefit.

Unfortunately traders have been underrepresented as both respondents to questionnaires and at the Public Meeting on 25th August.

Unless representations are received from traders providing convincing arguments for a Trade Dispensation Parking Permit being allowed, the opportunity will be lost.

Please contact us with your thoughts.

SUMMARY

Approximate Additional Car Parking Spaces provided by proposals

1 extra 30 minute bay in Castle Street close to junction with Belmont Road
3 extra 30 minute bays by Clock Tower
2 extra 30 minute bays in Lion Street before junction with Brook Street
2 extra 30 minute bays in Bell Bank outside Club
2 extra 30 minute bays in Market Square outside HSBC Bank
3 extra 30 minute bays in Oxford Road opposite Nat West Bank
2 extra 30 minute bays in Lion Street outside Drill Hall

1 extra Disabled Parking bay by Clock Tower

Potential 12 extra Residents’ Parking spaces in Cattle Market car park
Potential 36 (plus) extra Pay & Display Parking spaces in Cattle Market car park

Pedestrian Crossings

A meeting with the Council Traffic Officer revealed that a pedestrian crossing in Broad Street would result in the loss of approximately seven parking spaces. A pedestrian crossing is in Church Street approximately between Blue Boar and Jones Hardware might be considered.

It is proposed that a recommendation is made to the council to conduct a feasibility study into the practicality of installing a pedestrian crossing in Broad Street approximately between Jones Hardware and the Blue Boar.

Maps

Maps used for the proposals are not to scale and indicate only approximate position and sizes of Restricted Parking Zones

COMMENTS OR ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS

It is proposed to produce a suggested parking policy document representing a consensus of local opinion for presentation to Powys County Council on 12th September.

This document has been circulated to all respondents listing their email address and a copy left in Hay Public Library.

It is proposed that this document is put before Hay Town Council for their approval on 5th September, after which the final document will be drawn up.

Should you have any suggestions or comments, or believe we have not covered anything you consider important, please complete a questionnaire and return it by September 1st LATEST to the library or Post Office in Hay or let us know by email to crap-powys@mail.com or nh4@hotmail.co.uk

A Great Meeting at the Parish Hall

Mary Fellowes our mayor and Kirsty Williams A.M.

No blood spilled!

Thank you to all those who attended the meeting last night in the Parish Hall. The rain didn't put off too many people and whilst we would have welcomed more in the audience, we were constrained to put out more seats during the evening for late arrivals.

Cllr. Gareth Ratcliffe introduced the evening and Nicholas Hankinson, representing C.R.A.P. presented the campaign's proposals to a rapt audience. Kirsty Williams A.M. was a very welcome and cogent contributor and did much to explain various points of law and legislation that may well have a bearing on plans. She expressed her encouragement for the campaign.

Cllr Gareth Ratcliffe gave a fascinating report on answers received in the 56 questionnaires received back from the 150 distributed thus far. A further ten were handed in by members of the audience during the evening, but were not included in Gareth's statistical report. More questionnaires were distributed and the audience encouraged to put their ideas and suggestions on paper for inclusion in the final proposal.

It was made clear that CRAP's proposals are only suggestions and the purpose of the campaign is to stimulate reaction in the hope that finally, a consensus of opinion can be achieved. The final proposal, which it is intended to present to Powys Council on September 12th. as a suggestion for future policy, can only represent the opinions of the majority of those who communicate their ideas and reactions to the campaign. If you don't tell us what you think, your ideas won't be included!

No plan is perfect, and the meeting was at times the scene of quite heated discussion, however no tempers were lost and no blood spilled! Whatever plan is finally adopted for submission, some will be unhappy, although CRAP's process of consulation should ensure that most will at least be relatively satisfied. We certainly hope so!

Various questions were put to the audience to ascertain a general reaction to parts of the proposal and the answers will be reflected in the final report.

CRAP has requested all questionnaires and any other comments are submitted, by email to CRAP-powys@mail.com, or left in the Library or Post Office by Thursday 1st September LATEST if they are to be included in the campaign's proposals.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE DETAILS OF THE MEETING AND TOPICS DISCUSSED

Meanwhile, again thank you to all who attended the meeting, particularly our mayor, Mary Fellowes, who selflessly minuted the meeting and Kirsty Williams A.M. who's contributions were informative, sensible and well received.

In passing, Roger Williams M.P., our Member of Parliament, sent his apologies as he was unable to be at the meeting, but has promised his support for our campaign in the future.

Thank you Mr Williams, we shall hold you to that!

Our Meeting's Today & There's Nowhere to Park!

The Car Park is Full to Overflowing - Again!
It's ironic that on the day of our meeting, the town centre Car Park is full again. O.K. it's Hay Market Day and we do expect visitors - and of course it's the school holidays, but this is ridiculous!
12:30 and this is the Oxford Street car park; a few minutes earlier and cars were queueing down Oxford Street waiting to get in! If I was a visitor and couldn't find somewhere to park, I believe I'd think again before coming to Hay

Your Opinions are Needed

Kirsty IS coming to the meeting

A Big Welcome to Kirsty Williams A.M.

A big welcome to Kirsty Willaims A.M. Assembly Member for Breconshire and Radnorshire and Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Kirsty has just emailed to confirm that she will be at our meeting on 25th August. We'll make her very welcome and look forward to hearing any insights she may have on our propsals.

Don't forget the Public Meeting on 25th August, your input is important!

Is Kirsty Coming to the Meeting?

We have received an email from the 'Constituency Office of Kirsty Williams Assembly Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, Leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats'.

Kirsty would like to attend the meeting on 25th August if her diary allows.

We have amailed back to tell her that she would be very welcome at our meeting. Kirsty's support for our campaign has been very useful and we now await to find out if she can attend.

Remember the date for your diary:

CRAP's Public Meeting to be held on 25th August at 7:00pm at Hay Parish Hall

It's Decision Time!

Our Questionnaire

Please download our questionnaire and send it back to us crap-powys@mail.com or bring it to the Public Meeting

Hay-on-Wye Parking Questionnare

This questionnaire is conducted as part of public consultation to help decide
on a future parking and traffic management policy for Hay-on-Wye
Please help us by recording your thoughts and don't forget to come to the
meeting at The Parish Hall in Lion Street on Thursday 25th August at 7:00pm

Are you happy with present car parking in Hay-on-Wye?

YES

NO

Is a new parking policy needed for Hay?

YES

NO

Should there be a review of parking waiting times across Hay?

YES

NO

Are you in favour of dedicated Residents' Parking in Hay?

YES

NO

Where?



Does Hay need more Disabled Parking places?

YES

NO

Where?


Does Hay need more/another Pedestrian Crossing/s?

YES

NO

Where?



Should essential workers (Doctors, health visitors etc.) be
permitted to park in any bay for a maximum of 2 hours?

YES

NO

Should local traders and businesses be permitted to park in
residents' parking zones for a maximum of 4 hours?

YES

NO

Is a larger town centre Car Park needed?

YES

NO

If YES, where could additional long term parking be provided?
Existing School site when school relocated (estimated approx. 5 years)

Existing Community Hall site when relocated (estimated approx. 5 years)

Site extended behind present Doctors' Surgery

New site across bridge

Cattle Market Car Park

Extend present town centre Car Park

Other


Currently visitors cannot stay longer than 24 hours in the town centre Car Park and
must return before 8:00am to renew their ticket. Some think this discourages visitors.
Should parking machines be adjusted to allow longer parking?

YES

NO

Present Parking Zone Time Restrictions in Hay are 8:00am to 6:00pm
Should these times be changed?

YES

NO

If YES, what is your preferred enforcement time?

9:00am to 5:00pm

10:00am to 4:00 pm

Other

Should enforcement be:

Monday to Saturday only

All week

What could be done to improve traffic flow in Hay?


What traffic calming measures could help to combat speeding in Hay?


Please add any comments that you think will help us produce a proposal to present to
Powys County Coucil that will help reflect local opinion.



Thank you for completing this questionnaire
It would be helpful if you would provide your name and contact details so that
we can contact you to elaborate on any of the comments you have made.

NAME:

Telephone Number

email address:

Are you a:

RESIDENT

TRADER

BUSINESS

VISITOR

OTHER

Completed questionnaires can be left at Hay Library or The Post Office in High Town.
Alternatively bring it with you to the Public Meeting at Hay Parish Hall on 25th August.
email crap-powys@mail.com for plans and full details of CRAP's proposals

It's Decision Time

Adjustments and Alternatives
A lot has happened Since our last Blog. We have had a meeting with an officer from Powys County Council to try to get his viewpoint on our preliminary suggestions. His comments are outlined below.
Councillor Gareth Ratcliffe held surgeries on Thursday morning at Hay Market and in the afternoon, at Hay Library. Both events were very well attended and questionnaires were distributed. Hopefully, the questionnaire will also be on this blog if you wish to download it and return it to us at crap-powys@mail.com.
There are a number of very important decisions to be be made, particularly regarding the various alternative approaches to residents' parking in Hay and again, these are outlined below. Hopefully the Public Meeting, to be held on Thursday 25th August at Hay Parish Hall will go a long way towards achieving a consensus of local opinion.

Powys Council Officer's suggested amendments
Following a meeting with an officer from Powys County Council, the following changes to our plan were suggested.

a. All Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) spaces should be restricted to ½ and 1 hour only (see below) Therefore ¼ hour RPZs where marked to become ½ hour RPZs

b. All RPZs outside Zone 1 should be 1 hour only (RPZ outside Swan Hotel could be single exception at 2 hours)

c. All RPZs to be operational 9:00am to 5:00pm

d. All RPZs to be operational 7 days per week

RPZs on plan are acceptable except:

e. No RPZ outside Black Lion in Lion Street

f. No RPZ outside Club in Market Street

Extra Car Parking Bay

g. One extra ½ hr space could be created in Castle Street, close to junction with Belmont Road

h. RPZs where marked on plan in outside areas should be Residents Only parking not mixed allowing 1 hour Parking as well. Some proportion will have to remain as 1 hour parking.

i. Residents Parking Permit (R1) should allow parking in Residents Only RPZs and Town Centre Long Term Car Park in Hay only

j. Trade Dispensation Permit is not recommended

k. Special Dispensation Permits should be issued very sparingly and restricted to carefully defined users.

Pedestrian Crossing

l. No pedestrian crossing is practical in Broad Street by Clock Tower as approximately 6 parking spaces would be lost.

m. Consideration could be given to a pedestrian crossing in Castle Street, by Jones Hardware

Extra Car Parking

n. It was agreed that current public car parking in Hay is inadequate and support could be given to creation of extra space (mix of Residents’ and Pay & Display) in Cattle Market subject to agreement with land owner and lessee. (Lease due to be renewed March 2012.)

Important Questions

Please pick up a questionnaire from the library in Hay or at the meeting on Thursday. Your opinions are vital.

Decisions to be made

1. Which of the two alternatives, mixed Residents and 1 Hour Parking or Residents Only is preferable in outer streets?

Alternative 1. shows the outer areas being largely one hour parking which is also available for residents.

Alternative 2. shows the outer area almost totally dedicated to Residents’ Parking

Considerations are as follows

Alternative 1.

Pros

More overall spaces available to residents
Should residents find space taken by non-residents, they will only have to wait a maximum of one hour for space.
One hour waiting limit will persuade most visitors to park in Car Park.
Residents will not be seen to be ‘nimby’ selfishly reserving maximum space for themselves

Cons

Fewer dedicated Residents Only Parking places
Potential confusion unless signage is clear

Alternative 2.

Pros

More dedicated Residents Only Parking places
Clarity - Visitors in Zone 1 or the Car Park, Residents in outer streets.

Cons

Fewer parking spaces will be available to residents as some (probably 20 – 25%) from Alternative 1 will have to become dedicated 1 hour spaces.
Not sympathetic to traders’ needs for maximum limited time customer parking.
Can and probably will be perceived as very selfish approach, particularly if spaces are seen to be available in Residents’ Parking areas when Zone 1 and Car Park full.
Residents parking is already limited in Bear Street; Hoel-y-Dwr & Church Street all of which will be particularly affected as some of the existing space will have to be reserved for 1 hour parking resulting in even fewer Residents places.

2. Do we proceed with trying to get a one-way system in Lion Street from the Clock Tower ?

Pros
More car parking spaces including, hopefully a disabled space.
Fewer problems of larger vehicles trying to turn left into Lion Street towards Clock Tower.
Less traffic congestion in Clock Tower area

Cons
Perhaps forcing more traffic into Brook Street and Hoel-y-Dwr busier

3. Is our suggestion of Zone 1 with no Residents’ Parking acceptable

4. Do we make an exception of the area outside The Swan Hotel, keeping it as a 2 hour parking area? Whether it becomes 1 hour or 2 hours, will any Residents’ Parking be provided there?

6. What is your opinion of the level of proposed Residents Parking charges?

Keep watching!

25th August - Public Meeting

PUBLIC MEETING
TO DISCUSS

IDEAS & PROPOSALS FOR

PARKING IN HAY

THURSDAY 25th AUGUST
7:00pm

THE PARISH HALL . LION STREET

COPIES OF C.R.A.P.’s PROPOSALS & MAPS

SHOWING SUGGESTED PARKING ZONES
are available by request from crap-powys@mail.com
or can be seen at Hay Library.


Thursday 18th August
An opportunity to discuss the plans and your ideas
with Councillor. Gareth Ratcliffe
10:00am – 12:00 noon at Hay Market Place
or
1:30 – 3:30pm DROP-IN at Hay Library

REMEMBER - WE NEED YOUR IDEAS

Full Text of CRAP's Parking Proposals for Hay-on-Wye

HAY-ON-WYE PARKING PROPOSALS 2011

CRAP considers it most important that residents, traders and all other interested parties develop an agreed, sensible set of suggestions for parking in the Hay-n-Wye to be ready by September in time for the council’s now agreed starting time for discussion about county wide parking.

The cost of implementing any scheme will be a deciding factor in persuading the council to adopt it; accordingly the town must be looked at as a whole so that all changes can be accommodated cost-effectively within one Order.

There will undoubtedly be ‘winners’ and ‘losers’ in any change to parking in the town but it must be understood that the change in parking enforcement from Dyfed Powys Police to Powys County Council is an established fact and we must do everything possible to make sure that a new traffic and parking policy is developed with in full consultation with all interested parties and with the maximum of agreement between varying views.

This is perhaps the first opportunity people in Powys, and specifically those in Hay-on-Wye will have to exercise their rights to influence local decisions as is intended by the forthcoming ‘localism’ legislation currently making its way through the House of Lords.

ZONES or AREAS

It is proposed that the town be divided into the following zones or areas.

Zone 1. MAIN RETAIL AREA

PROPOSED CHANGES

It is proposed that Lion Street from its start beside the clock tower be made One-Way to its junction with Castle Street. Vehicles travelling down Castle Street will therefore be constrained to turn right on entering Lion Street, which is currently restricted to One-Way traffic at that point.

It is further proposed that the highway be widened in Lion Street from the Clock Tower to the start of The Pavement. This will entail the removal of a small area of pavement to the line of the original verge stones and which has been widened at some point in the past. This widening and the conversion of the road to One-Way will allow for one additional disabled and two Time Restricted Parking Bays as shown on the attached plan.

Parking in this area will be restricted to:

1. Pay & Display Car Park in Market Square as shown on plan. (operating from 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Sunday excluding Thursdays for market operation)

2. Disabled Parking in defined bays both within the Pay & Display Car Park and on-street as shown on attached plan. (Two additional disabled bays are suggested for Zone 1.)

3. Time Restricted Parking with varied time limits as shown on plan operating from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Sunday (excluding Thursdays for market operation by Clock Tower when no parking allowed during market hours)

Zone 2. RESIDENTIAL SIDE STREETS ADJACENT TO MAIN RETAIL AREA

Parking in this area will be restricted to:

1. Disabled Parking in defined bays both within the Pay & Display Car Park and on-street as shown on attached plan.

2. Residents’ Parking Zones as shown on attached plan. Parking restricted to vehicles displaying a current Residents’ Parking Permit.

3. Time Restricted / Resident Parking Zones as shown on attached plan. Parking restricted to vehicles displaying a current Residents’ Parking Permit, other authorised dispensation permits and any other vehicles parked in accordance with displayed time limitations.

ZONE 3. DESIGNATED OFF-ROAD PARKING AREAS

These are currently the Oxford Road and Market Square Pay and Display Car Parks where current parking rules and restrictions are enforced by the council.

It is acknowledged that current off-street parking is inadequate to meet visitor demand. Even with the introduction of a new on-street parking policy, the demand on present both on and off-street parking often exceeds the places available. This position is exacerbated by regular events such as the annual May Fair, which uses much of the Oxford Road site, and other regular events which attract extra visitors to the town and result in the Oxford Road Car Park being filled to capacity. Insufficient parking, if not rapidly addressed, will inevitably result in visitors being dissuaded from visiting Hay, to the detriment of the town’s future prosperity.

These proposals are made in the anticipation that working within current stringent financial restrictions a partnership based on communication and consultation developing between the community and the council, further much needed off-road parking will become available over the next few years. Adequate off-road parking is essential both for current commercial viability of Hay, but also, and most importantly for the convenience and benefit of visitors on whom the town relies for its continued prosperity.

Additional off-street parking is likely to be derived from:

Relocation of Junior School to new site beside surgery.
Relocation of Leisure Centre to new site beside surgery.
Conversion of part of current market site to mix of residents’ and Pay and Display Car Park.
Additional spaces on new site beside surgery.

PARKING RESTRICTIONS & SIGNAGE

It is proposed that parking restrictions in Hay-on-Wye should be limited to the following:

No Parking

1. Double yellow lines - No Parking at any time with certain exceptions for loading and unloading etc.

2. Double yellow lines + No loading sign – No parking at any time other than for emergency vehicles.

Pay and Display Parking

Parking areas/Car Parks equipped with pay and display machine vending tickets for specific parking periods.

It is proposed that for the benefit of longer term visitors and to obviate the necessity of an early visit to the car park to ‘feed’ the meter, the Pay and Display machine software in the Oxford Road Car Park is adapted to allow tickets to be issued for up to 5 days in multiples of 24 hour periods.

Vehicles must be parked within defined parking bays and in accordance with displayed local by-laws. Parking restricted to:

1. Vehicles displaying current paid for and valid Pay & Display parking ticket

2. Vehicles displaying current Powys Parking Permit showing to and from validation date and vehicle registration number.

3. Vehicles displaying current Powys Residents’ Parking Permit (R1) badge showing to and from validation date and vehicle registration number.

4. Vehicles displaying current Hay-on-Wye Trade Dispensation Parking Permit showing issue and expiry dates and vehicle registration number

Disabled Parking Bays

Parking restricted to vehicles displaying current Disabled badge.

Residents Only Parking

To prevent misuse and dangerous parking, as far as possible, Residents Only Parking areas will use marked bays to indicate allowed vehicle restrictions.

Valid Monday to Saturday, during hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm., parking will be restricted to:

1. Vehicles displaying a current Residents’ Parking Permit (R1) or Residents’ Parking Permit (R2).

2. Vehicles displaying current Hay-on-Wye Special Dispensation Parking Permit (SD) showing issue and expiry dates and vehicle registration number

3. Vehicles displaying current Hay-on-Wye Trade Dispensation Parking Permit (TD) showing issue and expiry dates, and vehicle registration number.

Time Restricted Parking

There will be no special dispensations for residents’ vehicles parking within Zone 1. or in 15 or 30 minute Restricted Parking Zones.

As far as possible Time Restricted Parking areas will use marked bays to indicate allowed vehicle restrictions.

Parking limited to vehicles other than those displaying Residents’ Parking Permits (R1 or R2) parked according to displayed time limitations.

Parking time restricted zones as shown on plan will be:

1. Mon – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00pm
15 minutes Parking, No return within 2 hours
No parking outside those hours

2. Mon – Sat 9:00 am – 5:00pm
30 minutes Parking, No return within 2 hours
No parking outside those hours

3. 9:00 am – 5:00pm
+1 Hour Parking,
No return within 2 hours

4. 9:00 am – 5:00pm
2 Hours Parking,
No return within 2 hours

PARKING PERMITS

It is proposed that the following parking permits should be issued:

Powys Parking Permit

Cost:

12 months £150.00
6 months £80.00
3 months £40.00

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number.

Entitles registered vehicle displaying valid permit to park in any of Powys council’s long term car parks.

Residents’ Parking Permits

Residents’ Parking Permits to be limited to vehicles which are registered to a qualifying address, or if vehicle registered keeper elsewhere, subject to proof of residence.

Residents Parking Permits must be surrendered if vehicle sold or owner moves from town, in which pro-rata refund will be issued.

It must be noted that:

Ownership or display of a Residents’ Parking Permit does not guarantee a parking place.
Ownership or occupation of a house or flat in Hay-on-Wye does not guarantee a close or adjacent parking place.
Residents are forbidden from placing cones or barriers in the road to reserve a parking place without specific authorisation.
Vehicles must be parked within defined Parking Bays where marked.
Ownership or display of a Residents’ Parking Permit does obviate compliance with time parking restrictions within Zone 1. or in 15 and 30 minute Restricted Parking Zones.

Residents’ Parking Permit (R1)

Cost:

12 months £150.00
6 months £70.00
3 months £40.00

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number.

Entitles registered vehicle displaying valid permit to park for any period in :

Any of Powys council’s existing or proposed long term car parks.

Any Residents Only or one Hour or Two Hour Time Restricted Parking Zone within Hay-on-Wye outside Zone 1.

Residents’ Parking Permit (R2)

Residents’ Parking Permits (R2) will be issued for a period of 12 months and limited to a maximum of three Permits per residence (unit of occupation liable for council tax) in Hay-on-Wye.

Cost:

1 Permit £20.00 2nd Permit £50.00 3rd Permit £100.00

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number.

Entitles registered vehicle displaying valid permit to park for any period in :

Any Residents Only or one Hour or Two Hour Time Restricted Parking Zone within Hay-on-Wye outside Zone 1.

Hay-on-Wye Special Dispensation Parking Permit (SD)

Cost

12 months £ NIL

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number. Designed for use by essential workers/services, doctors,
nurses, health visitors etc. To be displayed only when on call.

Allows vehicle to park in any Residents Only or One Hour or Two Hour Time Restricted Parking Zone within Hay-on-Wye outside Zone 1. for a maximum of two hours.

Hay-on-Wye Trade Dispensation Parking Permit (TD)

Cost

12 months £150
6 months £80
3 months £40

Obtainable from Powys County Council and displaying to and from validation date and
vehicle registration number. Designed for use by traders and local businesses who may
prove essential use of their vehicle during the working day.

Limited to one permit per business rate payer and valid Mondays to Saturdays from 8:00 am
to 6:00 pm. Allows vehicle on which displayed to be parked in any of the town’s present or future Long Term Car Parks or in any of the listed Restricted Parking Zones outside Zone 1. for a maximum of four hours with no return within 2 hours