DRIVERS will be able to park for free in all council-run short stay car parks in Ammanford from 10am until 2pm, Monday to Wednesday, as part of the county council’s free parking pilot initiative.

The authority has been running a free parking trial since October 2018 to support town centre traders in what was deemed the quietest periods.

The new days and hours came into force from today (Monday, September 30), and replace the current arrangements, which presently allow free parking from 3.15pm-6pm Monday to Friday.

Car parks in Carregamman, Margaret Street, Lloyd Street, Wind Street, Baltic, and Hall Street will all be subject to the changes.

Visitors will still need to obtain a ticket and display it as normal, but the ticket will be issued with no charge - this will allow the council to assess the impact of the initiative.

The pilot is in addition to the five free parking days the council offers town centres every year.

Cllr Hazel Evans, executive board member for environment, said: “The free parking pilot has been ongoing for almost a year now, and based on feedback we are happy to change the days and times across our Ammanford town centre car parks to reflect discussions we have had with traders and the town council.

“We hope people will take advantage of the trial and use it as an opportunity to support local traders.”

Terms and conditions of the pilot:

• Free parking will only apply between the hours specified for each town

• Free parking will only apply to those using the short stay parking bays.

• Visitors will still need to obtain and display a ticket, but the ticket will be issued at no charge during the specified periods

• Long stay parking will operate as normal during the free periods. Parking during all periods outside the specified days and times will need to be paid for.