Changes are already being planned to Saundersfoot’s contentious new road layout, which has faced somewhat of a backlash since being implemented earlier this year.

The works were part of Pembrokeshire County Council’s wider Active Travel proposals for the village, that were formally consulted on in 2024, that were designed to deliver ‘tangible improvements’ from a safety perspective.

However, some factors of the works, such as the removal of disabled parking bays in the centre of Saundersfoot, were roundly criticised, with some stating that it hinders access for disabled residents and visitors, and also causes extra traffic congestion during busy times.

The centre of Saundersfoot during the busy May Bank Holiday
Many bemoaned the fact that the changes created extra traffic congestion in the centre of Saundersfoot (seen here during the busy May Bank Holiday) (Malcolm Richards Photography)

One local commenting on the matter, raising concerns about the removal of disabled bays at the time, said: “​Because of these changes, there is now a severe lack of accessible parking space in the heart of the village.

“The council's actions are effectively pushing disabled drivers toward the main car park, but that car park simply does not have the capacity or the extra spaces to make up for the ones being lost on the street.”

Road layout changes in Saundersfoot were introduced earlier this year
Road layout changes in Saundersfoot were introduced earlier this year (Gareth Davies Photography)

At a recent meeting of Saundersfoot Community Council, Cllr Chris Williams, county councillor for the seaside village’s south ward explained that he’d had extensive discussions with Pembrokeshire County Council’s Highways department regarding parking arrangements in Brewery Terrace, Cambrian Terrace and Milford Street.

Following review of the Active Travel changes in this area, Cllr Williams relayed feedback to the Local Authority and the following changes have been agreed:

  • Removal of the parking bay outside ‘Labels for Less’
  • In areas where traffic must move freely the double yellow lines will be supplemented with ‘No Loading at Any Time’ double blips on the pavement to prevent vehicles stopping even very briefly and regardless of whether it has a disabled blue badge.

Cllr Williams also reported that bollards have been installed on Cambrian Terrace again to prevent illegal parking.

He also said that he would continue to work with County Council officers to improve safety of the pedestrian crossings in those areas.

Saundersfoot road changes
Pembrokeshire Council's highways department working on the changes earlier this year (Gareth Davies Photography)

After the alterations were put in place ahead of the summer, Cllr Williams had said that it was importance to allow time for the changes to bed in, but that he would continue to engage closely with residents and local businesses, listening carefully to their experiences, observations, and concerns.

Cllr Williams remarked that it was also important to recognise the positive elements of the scheme that have been made, including - a new road surface, better pedestrian experience, reduced speeds, as well as additional parking spaces on Brewery Terrace.

The new road layout in the centre of Saundersfoot continues to split opinion.
The new road layout in the centre of Saundersfoot certainly split opinion. (Observer pic)

“The introduction of dual-use loading bays has been particularly well received by residents and the wider community. There has been significant support for this, as it not only improves accessibility and convenience for residents, but also provides valuable support for local businesses,” he said at the time.

“Furthermore, increased awareness of parking within Saundersfoot Harbour, including three disabled spaces and five free 30-minute bays, has further improved accessibility and ease of access within the village,” added Cllr Williams.