COUNCILLORS have expressed their disappointment that changes to car parking permits don’t stretch to council-run car park.

The permit application process has been suspended during the coronavirus outbreak, and anybody whose permit expires has been asked to simply continue showing their old one.

But pay and display charges in the council's car parks are running as normal.

The changes were revealed through the Questions at Anytime after Hay Liberal Democrat councillor Gareth Ratcliffe asked environment portfolio holder, Cllr Heulwen Hulme to relax the process, especially for people who are self-isolating.

He said that some were worried that their permits were about to or had run out and were unable to apply.

But, Cllr James Gibson-Watt believes that the decision should be looked at again.

Cllr Gibson-Watt (Liberal Democrat – Glasbury) said: “I will be urging a re-think.

“I am really disappointed that the request has been refused to waive car parking charges and that on-street enforcement will continue as now.

“This will force people to keep leaving their homes to move their cars and/or renew pay and display tickets, which is really not what we want them to have to do, especially if they are self-isolating.”

Cllr Hulme, the independent councillor for Rhiwcynon, replied: “The council suspended the permit application process due to not being able to produce them during these unprecedented times.

“Therefore, residents should continue to display permits that expire in their vehicles to demonstrate they are residents and entitled to park in the restricted streets.

“Unfortunately, those that don’t have a permit may be taking the spaces of those that do and therefore we are unable to agree to permitting those vehicles staying longer than the restrictions allow.

“Our car parks are still operating as pay and display and people are required to pay the necessary fee to cover their stay.”

Corporate director for economy and planning, Nigel Brinn, added: “Please don’t worry, just display your current permit for the time being.

“With lots more cars staying put all day please make sure that you park sensibly to allow emergency services access if required.”

There are residential car permit schemes in parts of Hay-on-Wye and Newtown costing £65 a year.