DISABLED parking restrictions are to be changed in an effort to reduce congestion in Monmouth town centre.

Further proposals include revised restrictions of waiting and loading, with prohibition of waiting at any time on certain parts of Monnow Street, Blestium Street and the access road to Howells Place, while banning vehicles loading on certain parts of Monnow Street.

The plans will also mean that lorries are to be stopped from parking at the bottom of Monmouth in a move to improve the traffic situation and reduce noise for residents.

Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) has previously received concerns regarding overnight heavy good vehicles (HGVs) parking in the coach bay in Blestium Street causing excessive noise and disturbance in the town centre.

Currently the bay is designated for coach and service bus parking during daytime only, and can legally be used for parking by all vehicle types outside the restricted daytime specified hours and days.

The proposals for the parking bay on Blestium Street is to amend the order to allocate the full length for coaches only to park at all times, improving access for coaches visiting the town and supporting tourism and the town’s economy.

MCC has also received concerns regarding service buses waiting over in this shared coach and service bus bay whereas it would be more appropriate for service buses to wait over in the nearby bus station. The presence of service buses in this bay also precludes visitor and tourist coaches from parking in this shared bay.

The redesignation of this bay in Blestium Street for the sole use of coaches at all times and days is intended to support the tourism industry in Monmouth and will also prohibit overnight parking by HGVs in this bay, thereby significantly improving the environment and aesthetic appeal of this locality within the town centre.

Paul Keeble, traffic and network manager at MCC said: “The proposals are set out in the report and have been raised and supported by the local members and town council.

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“Once installed they should improve the traffic situation at the bottom of town.”