AMMANFORD’S disabled motorists have hit out at Carmarthenshire County Council for bringing in parking fees.

Drivers claim charges were imposed without sufficient or clear notice.

Previously, car parks in Ammanford were free for blue-badge holders.

Now, badge holders paying for one hour will receive an extra hour free.

Caught-out blue-badge holder, Carl Williams, from Tirydail, parked in Carregamman car park and went shopping only to find a warning ticket on his car when he returned.

“I was furious,” said Mr Williams.

“I went straight to the town hall and complained.”

“The new signage is extremely poor and not very clear.”

He was told designated disabled bays are to enable blue-badge holders and wheelchair users more room to access their vehicles, but were not free parking spaces.

Paul Newman, from Glanaman, almost had a similar experience after he parked his car in Margaret Street car park.

Nearly caught out, Mr Newman was only alerted to the changes when a taxi driver warned him he was no longer able to park for free and needed a ticket.

“I was outraged,” said Mr Newman

“On close inspection of the pay and display sign, the council have sneakily stuck a small notice on it.

“It is so obscure.

“It is not the charge that infuriates me – it is the principle of the matter.”

Carmarthenshire County Council executive board member for transport services Councillor Colin Evans said the changes supported the objectives set out in the authority’s parking strategy and the Regional Transport Plan.

“They would also promote more travel choices through parking provision and pricing, at the same time as maintaining economic viability in the county and supporting the enforcement of the off-street parking regulations,” said Mr Evans