Carmarthenshire County Council is to review free parking days in council-run car parks across the county, to ensure towns are benefitting fully from the initiative.

There are currently five free parking days in car parks in Ammanford, Llandeilo, Llandovery, Newcastle Emlyn, St Clears, Llanelli and Carmarthen to support the local economy.

The council’s cabinet is now being asked for a review to be carried out with businesses in each town to assess the current situation, and whether more can be done to support them.

A 12-month pilot will also be carried out in Llandovery to assess the impact that an increased 12 free parking days has on the town.

Cabinet Member for transport, waste and infrastructure services Cllr Edward Thomas said: “I think we need to review the entire strategy, it hasn’t been reviewed since 2018, and I think there is an opportunity here to look across the county at what is best for each individual town, as each town has different circumstances.

“We are keen to work with stakeholders and partners across the county in order to ensure our parking strategy is up-to-date, evidence-based and is maximising the economic benefits to the town whilst also contributing to the council’s wider objectives around helping to reduce traffic problems, congestion and air quality and investing in our public transport system.”

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Representatives from rural towns have asked about the potential to increase the number of free parking days, as part of the council’s Ten Towns initiative.

In particular, a wide range of activities and events are taking place in Llandovery, which will also welcome the National Urdd Eisteddfod next year.

Council leader Cllr Darren Price said: “Free parking is happening because of the various activities taking place in Llandovery and it is central to how they see the economic growth in that area.

“It’s vitally important that we work with the different towns and the businesses in those towns to see whether the current system works for them or if it needs to be changed.

“In the initial discussions that I have had with a lot of members I think there is an eagerness to re-look at this to make sure that it does deliver as we want it to.”