A Senedd member has called for a review of parking restrictions in Powys, saying they are putting people off shopping in town centres.

Reform UK's Iain McIntosh said traders in Llandrindod Wells had told him that parking enforcement was driving shoppers towards out-of-town stores where parking was more readily available.

Mr McIntosh, who represents Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, visited the town after hearing that two shops on the main shopping street were due to close within days of each other.

He said: “I spoke to traders in the town who all told me the same thing – that over-zealous traffic wardens were driving shoppers away from traditional town centres and into the arms of out-of-town superstores where parking is plentiful and free.

“This is not a level playing field.”

Mr McIntosh, who ran a carpet shop in Brecon for 32 years, said businesses were already facing competition from online shopping.

He also criticised the amount of time people were allowed to park in some town centres, saying restrictions were “often just an hour”.

“That is simply not enough time for people to do their shopping and perhaps enjoy a coffee and a chat in a local café,” he said.

He is calling on Powys County Council to review parking restrictions in its main shopping towns - beginning with Llandrindod, Brecon, Ystradgynlais and Builth Wells.

He said the review should consider whether some double yellow lines could be removed and whether parking times could be extended.

“I am not suggesting a free-for-all,” he said.

“But we must remember that these parking restrictions were often brought in several decades ago when town centre and high street shopping was the only way to go.”

Mr McIntosh continued: “Councils must realise that they are no longer the bustling hubs that they once were. The days of thronged pavements are long gone with reduced footfall everywhere but I believe that they do have a future provided that the bureaucracy is rolled back and that shoppers who arrive by car are treated not as enemies but as welcome visitors who keep our shops open and bring life back to our high streets.”

In response, the council said it “recognises the importance of supporting thriving town centres and welcomes discussion on how parking arrangements can best serve residents, businesses and visitors.”

It said parking restrictions were not only about supporting access to businesses but were also needed for road safety, visibility at junctions, access for service vehicles and pedestrian safety.

It said reviews of parking restrictions were carried out periodically and that reviews had recently been completed in Brecon and Newtown. A review of parking arrangements in Llandrindod Wells is currently under way.

The council also defended the use of timed parking bays, saying they helped ensure spaces were available for more visitors.

A spokesperson said: “The purpose of timed parking bays is to encourage the regular turnover of spaces throughout the day, enabling more people to access shops, services and businesses. Extending parking durations or allowing unrestricted stays in prime town centre locations can result in fewer spaces becoming available overall, reducing opportunities for visitors to find convenient parking and potentially impacting footfall.”

The council said many town centres in Powys already offered up to an hour of free on-street parking in key shopping areas.

“This is generally sufficient for most short shopping visits and day-to-day transactions,” said the spokesperson.

“Those intending to stay for longer periods are encouraged to utilise the available off-street public car parks, which provide additional capacity, or where appropriate consider more sustainable forms of travel.”

The council also rejected the suggestion that Civil Enforcement Officers were “over-zealous”.

It said officers followed established enforcement policies, including observation periods before a Penalty Charge Notice was issued.

“Enforcement is undertaken in a fair, consistent and proportionate manner,” the council said.

Mr McIntosh said town centres had a future but argued that changes were needed to encourage people to visit them.

“It’s time for a re-think if our town centres are to survive,” he said.

“They are important socially and bring people together creating vital community spirit and cohesion.”