Active Travel works taking place in the centre of Saundersfoot, aim to strike a ‘fair balance’ between supporting sustainable travel initiatives and maintaining practical parking provision within the seaside village, a local county councillor has highlighted.

There have been several proposals over recent years to deliver an ‘Active Travel’ link connecting Brewery Terrace, Milford Terrace and The Strand, with the objective of providing a safer and more accessible route through the village.

Earlier options included routing the link through the harbour. However, this was not feasible due to harbour byelaws prohibiting cycling. There were also proposals to remove part of the Sensory garden wall to facilitate the route, but this was ultimately not supported as an appropriate solution.

County councillor for the south ward, Cllr Chris Williams admits the works have caused disruption for businesses, but explained: “The current proposal positions the Active Travel link along Cambrian Terrace. This will result in the removal of one existing parking space.

“However, following consultation undertaken in 2024 and subsequent discussions with Highways Officers, revised arrangements have been developed to mitigate the impact.”

On Cambrian Terrace, a shared loading/parking bay will be introduced. This will operate as a loading bay between 6am and 10am, supporting early morning deliveries to local businesses. From 10am to 6am, the same space will convert to two 30-minute limited waiting bays. Together with the remaining provision, this will provide four usable bays along Cambrian Terrace during the daytime period after 10am.

Cllr Williams continued: “I fully acknowledge concerns regarding the reduction of one overall space. However, it is important to note that the previous arrangement on Cambrian Terrace included a full-time loading bay, limiting general parking availability. Furthermore, these changes have been under discussion for several years.

“As part of earlier mitigation measures, two disabled parking bays were created on Milford Street opposite the bus stop, specifically to offset earlier adjustments to parking provision in this area.

“In relation to Brewery Terrace, an additional 30-minute limited waiting bay will be created outside Labels for Less. This represents an additional space to help compensate for the changes on Cambrian Terrace.

“The existing loading bay on Brewery Terrace will also be converted into a dual-use arrangement. At present, it operates as a loading bay at all times throughout the year, which has caused ongoing frustration for residents who have parked there and subsequently received penalty notices.

“Under the revised proposal, this bay will operate as a timed loading bay to support business deliveries, and as 30-minute limited waiting at other times. This approach will provide greater flexibility, better support for village centre trade, and offer additional short-stay parking in the heart of the village.

“Overall, the proposed development will result in a net gain in practical, usable short-stay parking within the village centre.

“Retaining and enhancing parking availability has been a key priority throughout these discussions, alongside delivering a safer and more coherent Active Travel route,” he added.

The proposal will now proceed to public consultation before the final Traffic Regulation Order is made.