Neath Port Talbot (NPT) Council is proposing to change traffic orders in Pontardawe to improve parking access for blue badge holders and residents.
The council's cabinet agreed to advertise new suggestions for parking orders on Herbert Street, Pontardawe, to improve parking access for blue badge holders and people who live on the street.
A disabled bay situated next to a chemist on Herbert Street was removed by the council in July this year to allow social distancing and a temporary bay was installed on the opposite side of the road.
The council is proposing to make the new bay on the opposite side of the road permanent to maintain parking provision for people with impaired mobility.
Plaid Cymru councillor Linet Purcell said: "A the time we had all hoped that the virus was in retreat and that the removal of the disabled bay would be short-term.
The Pontardawe representative added: "However, as the situation did not improve we then agreed to create a temporary disabled space opposite the original one.
"Sadly, it is apparent that the need for social distancing is going to continue for some time so myself and my fellow councillor Anthony Richards requested that the temporary bay be made permanent."
According to a report by the council's head of engineering and transport David Griffiths, people living above businesses on Herbert Street cannot park near their properties during the day.
The council is therefore proposing to create a permit holder exempt parking scheme to give the residents and blue badge holders better access to parking. The permits would be assigned on a first come basis.
The proposed measures are:
- Disabled Badge Holders only (Mon-Sat, 10.00 am to 6.00pm)
- Limited Waiting (Mon-Sat, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm), One hour No Return within 2 hours, permit holders exempt
- Limited Waiting (Mon to Sat, 8.00 am to 6.00 pm), One hour No Return within 2 hours
The council undertook a first stage impact assessment on October 28 and the new measures will be advertised for 21 days. When they is advertised, a consultation will take place.
Disabled parking access along Herbert Street came under scrutiny in August when residents complained about the council's decision to install social distancing barriers along the street, blocking disabled parking bays.
