Safe zones are to be scrapped until at least February in three Ceredigion towns.

The scheme, which banned cars from town centres in Aberystwyth, Cardigan, New Quay and Abereron, was introduced in the summer to give pedestrians more space, enabling them to socially distance when shopping or visiting the towns.

The car ban was scrapped in New Quay last month and moved to two days a week in Aberystwyth.

Cardigan’s scheme was also scrapped in early November but reintroduced following a spike in coronavirus cases in the town.

Ceredigion County Council has this afternoon announced that the scheme is to be shelved in the new year until at least 1 February after Wales went into a Tier 4 lockdown over the weekend.

The safe zone scheme in Aberaeron, along the harbour wall, will however remain in place.

A Ceredigion council spokesperson said: “The key purpose of the safe zones and other measures introduced by Ceredigion County Council is to help protect our community’s health by reducing the risk of Covid infections.

“In August temporary traffic orders were introduced so that safe zones in four Ceredigion towns could remain in place for up to 18 months subject to regular reviews so that adjustments can be made.

“In Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay the roads previously subject to daily closures will remain open.

“In Aberaeron, the current safe zone arrangements will remain in place.

“Caution must remain and ensure there continues to be appropriate measures in place to safeguard people in our county.

“These adjustments take into account a wide range of information including feedback received, the time of the year and the national lockdown.

“Data will continue to be monitored so that safe zone implementation is kept under review. It is likely that the above changes will be in place until 1 February."