Transport Strategy
Pembroke Dock Active Travel Improvements
October 2025 update:
The online survey results have now been analysed, the report can be found in the below link. If you have any questions please contact the team at majorschemes@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Pembroke Dock Active Travel consultation report
Following the public consultation process that concluded in June 2025, all comments received have been complied into the table below, along with the Council`s responses for ease of reference. We trust that this addresses the concerns raised; however, should you require further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the Transport Strategy team via email.
Discussions are currently ongoing with the Authority's Engineering Team, the Local Councillor, and relevant stakeholders to determine which elements of the scheme will be taken forward subject to funding. This webpage will be updated accordingly.
The key themes addressed are as follows:
- Cycling
- Parking
- Bush Street
- Shared Use Path
- Prospect Place
- High Street
- Trinity Road
- Traffic
- General
Category |
Key Themes (You Said) |
Council Response |
| Cycling | Cyclists should use the road, not pavements – Concerns were raised that pavements are for pedestrians, citing Highway Code and safety issues. | Cycling on pavements is illegal unless they are formally designated as Shared Use Paths. Where appropriate, footways can be legally reclassified to allow for safe cycling. This provides clarity and safety for all users. |
| Cycling | Cycle paths are underused / waste of money – Belief that cyclists will not use the new paths and money should go elsewhere (e.g. town centre, waste vehicles). | Funding comes from the Welsh Government and is ring-fenced for Active Travel improvements only. Surveys show cycling is already common locally, especially among schoolchildren. There is also a legal duty for councils in Wales to improve Active Travel provisions. |
| Cycling | Maintenance concerns – The existing cycle paths are not maintained, and new ones may fall into disrepair. | More use of paths helps to keep them clear (e.g. vegetation). We are pressing for long-term planning and budgets that include both building and maintaining infrastructure. The more they are used also strengthens the case for future investment. |
| Cycling | Safety concerns – Risks of collisions with pedestrians (especially elderly and wheelchair users); cyclists riding too fast; e-bikes on pavements.
|
Shared Use Paths are designed for safe use at 12 mph. Cyclists are expected to ride considerately. Clearer markings would make it obvious where cycling is and isn’t allowed. Dangerous or reckless use of e-bikes should be reported to the police, as the council has no enforcement powers. |
| Cycling | Why not fine cyclists for not using cycle paths? | Experienced cyclists may still prefer to use the road, as Shared Use Paths can be slower. Fining them is not feasible. The proposed shared spaces aim to encourage children and less confident riders. |
| Cycling | Uncertain value / scepticism – Doubt that people will use the paths as intended. | All new Active Travel routes are monitored and evaluated for up to 3 years, with reports submitted to Welsh Government. Routes are promoted in partnership with local schools and communities. |
| Parking | Parking Provision – Residents have requested that the existing parking needs to be considered. | The existing parking would be reviewed as part of the scheme. The peak parking capacity was indicated at 73%, indicating that sufficient parking remains available throughout the day and there will be no negative impact on businesses. |
| Parking | Safety & Double Yellow Lines - Trucks and cars block visibility on Pier Road and Church Street, making crossing dangerous. | Requests for double yellow lines should go via the County Councillor and Road Safety. Parking enforcement could be increased depending on need. |
| Parking | Loss of Parking Spaces - New crossings and pedestrian/cycle routes may remove spaces, worsen parking, and reduce property values. | Some spaces might be removed for visibility and safety. The benefits to residents, especially children and non-drivers, outweigh the loss. These designs are in the preliminary stages and subject to change based on public feedback and road safety. No negative impact on businesses or property values is anticipated. |
| Parking | Wider Parking Pressure - Pembroke Dock has very limited parking, especially in terraced streets. Poor public transport increases car reliance. Risk of illegal parking raised. | The Bus reform and franchising aims to improve services throughout the County. The Fflecsi Bus Service already operates locally. The Councils Parking Enforcement Officers deal with any illegal parking accordingly. |
| Bush Street | Street Lighting, Bins & Traffic Calming-Better Street lighting, more bins, and further traffic calming measures (like those near the school) are needed. | Street lighting and bins can be included within the design. Engineers will liaise with the Traffic Department to assess safe traffic calming options. Measures already exist outside the school. |
| Bush Street | Pedestrian Safety - A pedestrian crossing by the school would help children cross safely. Traffic lights would also slow traffic and protect pedestrians. | Pedestrian crossings may be included if it is safe and if the criteria is met for controlled crossings. |
| Bush Street | Parking & Cycle Path Usefulness - Bush Street already suffers from poor parking. The existing pavements are wide enough. A Shared Use Path will not increase cycling, as most residents rely on cars for commuting. | The existing footway does not meet current Active Travel Guidelines for cycling. Funding cannot provide extra parking. The Shared Use Path is intended to encourage children, new/less confident cyclists, and offer more travel options with the hope that people will travel without the use of motor vehicles. |
| Bush Street | Traffic Flow & Parking Impact - Concerns raised about maintaining two-way traffic and existing parking if changes are made. | The existing carriageway would be reduced from 7.3m to 6.1m, in accordance with Manual for Streets guidance, and allows for large vehicles to pass simultaneously. Two-way traffic would remain, and no on-street parking would be lost. |
| Bush Street | Highway Code vs. Cost of the Scheme - The scheme is costly when the Highway Code already requires drivers to take care around pedestrians and cyclists. | The Highway Code prioritises pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists, but the Shared Use Path provides a safe, off-road space for walking, wheeling and cycling. This complements, not replaces, Highway Code requirements. |
| Shared Use Path | Parking & Mobility - There is a need for parking facilities, especially for people with mobility issues. Cars are essential for elderly care. | There are no changes to the current parking arrangements. Cars remain important for people with mobility needs, but the Shared Use Path provides safe alternatives. Increased Active Travel could free up parking for those who need it most. |
| Shared Use Path | Bike Hire & Cycling Facilities - Is there a bike hire scheme for adults/children? | There is no bike hire in Pembroke Dock currently. An E-Bike scheme is being introduced across the County and Pembroke Dock may be considered if there is sufficient demand. |
| Shared Use Path | Path Sharing & Safety - Concerns about cyclists and pedestrians sharing paths safely, especially near house doors. Some say it feels unsafe and impractical. | Shared Use Paths require mutual respect, with pedestrians and wheelchair users given priority. Signs such as "Care Share" can be added. Surveys show many (especially school children) already cycle on footways, so legalising and designing for it improves safety. |
| Shared Use Path | Women`s Safety & CCTV – Concerns raised about women’s safety and a request for CCTV. | Women’s safety concerns are acknowledged, any incidents should be reported to the Police. CCTV is not proposed due to privacy/data protection laws. |
| Shared Use Path | Condition & Maintenance of Paths – The existing paths are unsafe/poorly maintained; adding more will worsen the problem. Requests for pruning and upkeep (e.g. Memorial Park path). | Shared Use Path designation ensures clear rules and unlocks funding for maintenance under Active Travel. Routine maintenance is carried out, and any issues should be reported to the Council. |
| Shared Use Path | Path Width & Design - The current paths are wide enough; widening pavements would reduce road space. Concerns raised that roads are already too narrow. | Should the scheme go ahead, some of the existing paths would need to be widened to meet Active Travel standards. This narrows the carriageway slightly, which can calm traffic. No pavements would be made “twice as wide.” Changes would follow Manual for Streets guidelines. |
| Shared Use Path | Accessibility & Inclusivity – Requests raised for double yellow lines. Improvements for visually impaired to include good lighting, dropped kerbs, and safe crossings. | Any final designs would involve feedback from the Access Officer to ensure that accessibility requirements/legislation is met. Lighting and dropped kerbs at crossings would be included where safe to do so, in accordance with design standards. |
| Shared Use Path | Connectivity & Signage - Paths should not stop abruptly or force cyclists onto roads. There needs clear signage showing pedestrian/cyclist sections. | Connectivity is being planned through the updated Active Travel Network Map. Demarcation (markings/signage) would show which side is for pedestrian, wheelers and cyclists. |
| Shared Use Path | Perceived Benefits - Concerns raised that the scheme will only benefit pedestrians and not all users. | Surveys show many cyclists already use pavements; the scheme creates a safer, dedicated space for them. Encouraging more Active Travel reduces congestion, which benefits all users. |
| Prospect Place | Access & Safety - Access points lead directly onto a busy shortcut road with speeding cars and a bottleneck bend. The wall has been damaged due to speeding vehicles. Needs calming measures, signage, lighting, and control of cyclists using it as a downhill track. | Designs are at the preliminary stage and will be refined based on feedback. Signage to possible pedestrian crossings could be added to highlight access points if it was safe to do so. Traffic calming would be considered with the Traffic Department. Residents should report speeding to the Police. Lighting would be included, should the scheme go ahead. |
| Prospect Place | Connectivity - Would prefer better east-bound links to Pembroke. | The Active Travel Network Map includes routes east of Pembroke Dock; consultation is planned in 2026 for public feedback. |
| Prospect Place | Steepness & Accessibility - The proposed route is too steep; not usable for wheelchair users or mobility scooters (batteries can’t cope). | The path is viable for pedestrians and cyclists, especially as e-bikes increase in use locally. Any final designs would involve feedback from the Access Officer to ensure that accessibility requirements/legislation is met. |
| Prospect Place | Existing Informal Path - A path already exists from Prospect Place into the park. | There is no formal surfaced route. The current access is steep grass that becomes muddy and slippery especially in wet conditions. The scheme would provide a safe, formal path for all users. |
| Prospect Place | Environment & Heritage - Do not cut into Prospect Place wall or remove historic trees. Use the existing road/cycle path. | If access requires changes to the wall, Listed Building consent would be sought. Any tree removal would follow a 3:1 replacement policy as per Woodland Trust guidance. Environmental impact assessments would be conducted. |
| Prospect Place | Visibility & Safety - Rejoining the carriageway mid-way on to Prospect Place is unsafe due to poor visibility. | Appropriate signage would highlight access points, and pedestrian crossings may be considered if it’s safe to erect and if the appropriate criteria is met. |
| Prospect Place | Parking Requests - Suggestions to knock down walls, upgrade grassed area for extra parking and improve turning visibility raised. | The scheme funding is restricted to Active Travel improvements, not for general road engineering or extra parking. |
| High Street | Cost & Priorities – The lower-cost option is preferred; other issues are more important. | A masterplan will be developed based on resident’s feedback. While the safest options may not be the cheapest, the goal is a solution that is safe, effective, and good value for money. |
| High Street | School Travel Behaviour – It would be better to encourage parents not to drive children to school. | Agreed. Behavioural change is key alongside suitable infrastructure. Awareness campaigns and school initiatives can encourage Active Travel and reduce school-run traffic. |
| High Street | Driveway & Access – Concerns were raised about driveway/garage access and the costs of altering drop kerbs. | No alterations would be made to any existing legal dropped kerbs, and residents would not be liable for any expenses. |
| High Street | Usage Counts - Few cyclists and pedestrians have been observed; these changes are not needed. | A 12 hour on-the-ground survey recorded 28 cyclists and 209 pedestrians, showing higher usage than individual counts. |
| High Street | Emergency Services - Has the fire brigade been consulted? | All emergency services would be consulted should the scheme go ahead. |
| High Street | Drainage - Flooding at Lloyds corner and opposite occurs during heavy rain. | Should the scheme go ahead, full surveys including drainage, would be carried out. Any flooding concerns should also be reported to the Contact Centre or your Local Councillor for investigation. |
| High Street | Post Office & Local Business – Concerns were raised that changes could harm Post Office operations. It was suggested that angled parking would improve safety and crossing. | Parking layouts will be reviewed during final design. Stakeholders, including the Post Office, would be consulted to ensure access and business continuity. |
| High Street | Crossing & Junction Safety – The proposed crossing at Lloyds corner is too close to the junction; parking on North Street makes turning unsafe. | Crossing is placed along pedestrian “desire lines” into the town centre. Parking within 10m of a junction is illegal under Highway Code Rule 243; such cases should be reported to police. |
| High Street | Parking Provision - High Street already has limited parking. Will Shared Use Paths reduce spaces further? | Parking provision will be reviewed, with the aim to retain or increase current capacity. An on the ground survey showed at least 27% of spaces remained free, indicating sufficient capacity to accommodate parking in the area. |
| High Street | Footway Widening – Concerns were raised about where cars would park, how buses would pass, and how deliveries would be managed if pavements are widened. | Widening the northern footway would still allow compliant carriageway width under Manual for Streets. Bus services are scheduled to avoid direct conflicts; smaller buses can pass larger ones. Delivery issues (e.g. vans blocking the road) will be addressed directly with shop owners. Preliminary designs can adjust crossings if it is safe to do so. |
| High Street | Quiet Street Access & Parking - Cars currently park where the Quiet Street joins the alleyway, which could cause safety and access issues for cyclists. | The Engineers would investigate this during the final designs. It is likely these vehicles belong to nearby residents, who would be consulted to address parking and safety concerns. |
| Trinity Road | Parking - Trinity Road is quiet but cars parked on-street make it awkward. Suggestions were raised for residents to have off-road parking. | Residents would be consulted on parking issues if the scheme proceeds. |
| Trinity Road | Alternative Routes - Cromwell Street might be better as it is wider. | Alternatives could be considered if they meet Active Travel standards. |
| Traffic | One-Way System - Suggestions to make Bush Street and High Street one-way in opposite directions for safer flow was received. | This would need to be reviewed and discussed with the Road Safety Team. |
| Traffic | Traffic Calming - Support for calming on High Street, but concern traffic would divert onto North Street was raised. | All options would be investigated with the Road Safety Team, including potential measures for North Street. |
| General | Mobility & Terrain - Hills make access difficult for those with limited mobility. | Terrain challenges are acknowledged; accessibility would be considered and discussed with the Access Officer during final designs. |
| General | Rural Context & Behaviour - People in rural areas rely on cars; some would not use Active Travel routes. | Safe, shared spaces may encourage Active Travel behaviour. The main town hub is flat, making access easier for those who choose to switch modes |
| General | Value for Money – The scheme is unnecessary and a poor use of funds. | Funding comes from the Welsh Government, ring-fenced for Active Travel. Investment aims at improving long-term community and economic benefits and designing for future generations. |
| General | Maintenance & Safety - Preference for repairing existing roads, pavements, potholes, and car parks before any new schemes are introduced. Uneven surfaces are dangerous for pedestrians/cyclists. | Maintenance issues should be reported to the council. The Shared Use Paths would be designed with durable, low-maintenance materials. Shared Use Paths improve safety for vulnerable users. New schemes often improve the immediate surrounding surfaces when implemented. |
| General | Signage & Lighting - Too much signage is wasteful; lighting is more important. | A balance of clear communication with minimal clutter would be considered. Lighting would be included where needed if it was safe to do so. |
| General | Public Transport Links - Buses already provide service; however, some areas lack access. | A Shared Use Path could improve access to bus services. There is the use of the Fflecsi Bus service for those who do not have direct access to services. |
| General | Accessibility Issues - Pavements and car parks are unsafe for the visually impaired; e-scooters and reckless riders cause fear and danger. | The Council’s Access Officer would assist with the design requirements. Illegal e-scooters should be reported to the police as the Authority has no powers of enforcement. |
| General | Parking & Street Use - Concerns about congestion, reduced parking, EV charging access, cleaning cars across paths, lamp posts blocking doors, or cable relocation costs. | Parking would be reviewed during designs. There is no plan for universal EV charging points; grants may be available for individuals. The Council is under no obligation to provide facilities for car cleaning. Any changes to posts/cables will be managed so as not to block users or drivers. |
| General | Motorist Impact - Questions on benefits for drivers; fears of increased congestion or higher insurance. | Shared Use Paths separate modes, reducing conflict and congestion. Insurance is unlikely to be affected by narrower roads. |
| General | Traffic Calming - Speed bumps damage cars. | No speed bumps are planned. |
| General | Enforcement - Requests for action against illegal e-scooter use. | Only the police can act on this; residents are encouraged to report incidents. |
July 2025 update:
The consultation period has now ended. The results of the on-line survey are currently being analysed along with the feedback obtained at the public consultation day which took place on the 24th June 2025. This webpage will be updated in due course confirming if the proposals will be taken forward.
Public consultation:
Pembrokeshire County Council’s Transport Strategy Team invites you to participate in an online survey aimed at gathering feedback from the public and commuters regarding the creation of shared use paths at the following locations:
- High Street
- Bush Street
- Trinity Street
- Prospect Place / Memorial Park
Why are we proposing these changes?
This Authority is proposing to improve the existing active travel routes in Pembroke Dock which will include introducing new routes in line with the active travel guidance to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling within the town with the vision of converting some footways in to shared use paths. It is our aim to create a safe environment for all and to encourage people to travel without the use of their vehicles. One of the primary objectives of this project is to improve connectivity between the lower part of town and the rest of the community, ensuring convenient access to local amenities and schools.
The public consultation will commence with a workshop/drop-in session on 24th June 2025, between 09:00 – 17:00 at the Pater Hall.
The session will have representatives from Pembrokeshire County Council to answer any questions that may arise. Following this one-day event, for those who are unable to attend in person, an online public survey will be made available and can be accessed via Have your say
The online survey will remain available for 5 weeks concluding on 28th July 2025 at midnight.
Active travel improvements: Trinity Road and Community Centre Park, Pembroke Dock
Active travel improvements: Pembroke Dock
Active travel improvements: Bush St - Hight St - Prospect Place, Pembroke Dock
Hard copy plans are availble to view at County Hall from 24th June 2025.
Following on from the consultation period, final preferred option(s) will be identified. This preferred option will not be finalised until we have the feedback from the local community.
What is the scheme for?
This Authority is proposing to improve the existing active travel routes in Pembroke Dock which will include introducing new routes in line with the active travel guidance to encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling within the town with the vision of converting some footways in to shared use paths. It is our aim to create a safe environment for all and to encourage people to travel without the use of their vehicles.
What is the scheme going to achieve?
Study work has already been undertaken with a review of the current network to ensure that the routes provide a connected and integrated solution for walkers, wheelers and cyclists wishing to access key locations within the town, whether this be for work, leisure or social purposes.
The ethos of the scheme is to provide a active travel network connecting the north of the town with the Secondary and new welsh medium school on the eastern section of High Street and Pembroke Road which is already served by an existing shared use path on this section of highway. The proposals also allow connection for those residing in the north of the town with a safe cycle network allowing access to Pembroke Community School sited immediately adjacent to the park and the doctors surgery in Argyle Street.
What are the main aims of the scheme?
- Create a safe active travel link within the town
- Improve the connectivity of the existing network
- Improve road safety for walkers, wheelers and cyclists
- Encourage socially inclusive active travel for all types of journeys including tourism and leisure
- Reduce the levels of car dependency, reducing carbon footprint, pollution and congestion
- Improve the environment, health and social wellbeing of the community
How will the scheme be paid for?
This Authority will submit a bid report under the Local Transport Capital Grant Fund to the Welsh Government for the financial year 2026/2027. This is match funded by Pembrokeshire County Council, up to 11%.
Will members of the public be consulted?
Yes, a formal public consultation process where members of the public can provide feedback on the scheme will be taking place in due course. This will be in the form of a workshop session displaying the proposed plans where representatives from Pembrokeshire County Councils transport section will be present to answer any questions that may arise.
How can I find out more information?
Our website will be updated accordingly as this proposal progresses.
Contact us:
For more information, please email: majorschemes@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
Tel: 01437 764551