Safe Zones arrangements for Easter

Adjustments for Ceredigion’s Safe Zones are planned for Easter.

Safe Zones were originally implemented in July 2020. 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.

Across Wales, infection rates remain higher than they were last summer, so measures are still needed to reduce risks as Wales wide restrictions are relaxed, soon to be followed by the easing of UK restrictions. With more people expected to holiday in Wales and Ceredigion we need to have measures in place that help people visit shops and services in our towns safely.

Proposed relaxations to current restrictions will have an impact. From 27 March self-catering accommodation is likely to re-open and people will be able to travel freely within Wales. Then from the 12 April more retail units are likely to be allowed to open, self-catering will open in England and the travel restrictions between England and Wales are likely to change with students also expected to resume face to face teaching.

Feedback was sought on the Safe Zones that were introduced in Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan and New Quay. The feedback was gratefully received and has been taken into account when putting plans in place for Easter.

New measures will be introduced for the Easter holiday period from week beginning the 29 March. The changes reflect the feedback received. These changes will be monitored and reviewed for the summer.

The arrangements for Ceredigion safe zones for Easter are as follows:

• Aberaeron – to retain the existing layout with some changes to parking provision in the town, including additional Blue Badge provision.
• Aberystwyth – to resume daily road closures but make changes that allows access to Bridge Street and Queen Street; to make Pier Street one way; to allow access for blue badge holders to Eastgate; to reverse traffic direction in Baker Street and Corporation Street; to provide more blue badge parking in Baker Street; to allow access from the promenade along Terrace Road and Bath Street; and to allow access into Cambrian Place.
• Borth – to create some pedestrian passing places and erect more signage.
• Cardigan – to close off parking bays in the High Street to allow more space for pedestrians. More extensive measures are planned for the summer that involves new road layouts.
• New Quay – to reintroduce closures and make minor changes.

The daily road closures in Aberystwyth will be between 11am and 5pm Monday to Saturday. In New Quay they will be between 12noon and 5pm every day. The daily road closure in both towns will end at 5pm on 17 April.

The public need to remain cautious and vigilant whilst the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out. We thank residents and visitors for following the guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone in Ceredigion.

More information can be seen on the Council’s Safe Zones web page.