BUSINESSES in Ceredigion towns closed to cars will be allowed to accept deliveries, council officials have confirmed.

From 11am today (Monday), cars will be banned from town centres in Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, New Quay and Cardigan, in an attempt by the council to create safe zones, making it easier for people to maintain social distance.

Ceredigion County Council announced the move on Friday afternoon, but over the weekend made an amendment that will allow businesses in these town centres to still receive deliveries.

In a statement, a council spokesperson said: “To support businesses within the safe zones, we have made adjustments to the plans following concerns raised specifically relating to deliveries.

“Deliveries can be made between the hours of 11am and 6pm for official delivery vans and small lorries only.

“A 5mph restriction will be in place as well as the requirement to have hazard lights on at all times. This is similar to the approach used at events such as the Royal Welsh Show.

“These measures are to enable traders to receive deliveries and pick up large items when doing this before or after the closure cannot be avoided.

“Businesses are asked to make arrangements for deliveries to take place outside the closure hours wherever possible. Trade vans and small lorries will not be able to park longer than the time needed to deliver or pick up goods. This will help ensure there is more space for pedestrians to circulate safely.”

Delivery access points have been created, as follows:

Aberystwyth

· At the junction of Portland Street and Queens’ Road with exit on to Eastgate Street, New Street towards St Michael’s Church on to Laura Place, then the promenade;

· At the junction of Terrace Road and Cambrian Place up to Chalybeate Street; delivery vans will be expected to turnaround and exit back on to Terrace Road;

· Larger vehicles (over 7.5T) will access via Bridge Street, down Great Darkgate Street and exit on to North Parade;

Changes have also been made to restrictions to allow better access to Aberystwyth Market Hall.

Cardigan

· At the bottom of High Street close to the entrance to the castle. The exit point is further along the High Street.

New Quay (which will include access for boats on a trailer)

· At the junction of the B4342 and Glanmor Terrace and then take the circular route to exit.

The council spokesperson added: “We will be continuously reviewing the operation of each of the safe zones following their implementation.

“Exemptions to the prohibition of motorised vehicles entering these zones will include the emergency services and utility companies but only for emergency/safety related works.

“Car parks are available around the towns which will be free to use.

“Additional disabled (blue badge) parking provision will be noted on the plans.”

The car ban for town centres will be in effect from 11am until 6pm daily in Aberystwyth, Aberaeron, New Quay and Cardigan, with Ceredigion council officials saying they plan on introducing similar measures in Aberporth, Borth, Lampeter and Tregaron in the coming weeks and are looking at the feasibility of introducing a scheme in Llandysul.