Motorists looking for car parking spaces in Caernarfon will find it a lot easier this summer as electronic signs directing drivers to empty spaces will be in place on the four main approach roads to the town by next week.
The work is the first stage of a £2.4 million Caernarfon Town Centre Regeneration Project which is funded through the Assembly Government’s £38 million North Wales Regeneration Scheme delivered in partnership with Councils and is part financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the European Union’s Convergence programme and the Welsh Assembly Government’s Mon Menai Regeneration Area Initiative.
As part of the Caernarfon regeneration project, local residents and businesses have had an opportunity to present their views and comments about how they would like to see the town improved. As part of these workshops, the need to alleviate unnecessary car journeys through the town and make it easier for people to find parking spaces in Caernarfon was identified as a priority.
“We want to make Caernarfon an accessible town,” said Councillor Gareth Roberts, Gwynedd Council’s Senior Portfolio Leader for the Environment.
“By helping to alleviate problems in locating parking spaces, particularly in the peak summer months, people will be able to enjoy their visit to Caernarfon and hopefully take full advantage of the attractions and shops Caernarfon has to offer.
“The new electronic signs, which have proven successful in other towns throughout the UK will offer motorists the latest information about where to park as they travel on the outskirts of Caernarfon – with information available about where parking spaces are available, and which car parks are full.”
Signs will be installed on the A487 (north and south), the A4085 and A4086.
Deputy Minister for Housing and Regeneration, Jocelyn Davies AM said: “Regeneration is all about making the most of what an area has to offer. Helping people to park more easily so they can enjoy Caernarfon town centre is an important aspect of that and so I am very pleased that Assembly Government funding is helping to make Caernarfon a more pleasant and accessible town to visit.”
A drop-in event displaying some of the other possible plans for Caernarfon, including possible improvements to the bus station area, Bridge Street and Bangor Street, was held on the Maes late last year and members of the public were encouraged to present their views. Consultation is still taking place on some of the traffic management issues identified and the effect of implementing these possible changes. An implementation plan and concept ideas will be produced in the near future with detailed designs to follow, with the second phase of work starting later this year.
