Drivers have been warned that they could be banned from a major route in Wales as new traffic rules come into effect today, impacting thousands.
It comes after Wrexham High Street has officially become a pedestrian-only zone after months of resurfacing work, with drivers now risking penalties for breaking the rules.
The changes form part of a scheme to reduce traffic congestion and make the city centre more inviting for pedestrians.
The approach has been introduced by Wrexham Council following its success across other UK cities with the measures hoping to reduce the number of vehicles clogging up roads.
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The vehicle ban will be in place between 11.30am and 6am
GETTY
The new regulations, which took effect today, are the final stage of a multi-million-pound regeneration project for the High Street area.
Local businesses have been adapting to the changes, with some offering incentives to ensure customers continue to visit despite the new restrictions.
Under the new rules, there will be only one point of entry to the High Street, via Yorke Street, with access provided between 6am and 11.30am daily.
A rise-and-fall bollard will prohibit access between 11.30am and 6am for all vehicles except those on an automatic approval list. An ANPR camera will identify vehicles registered on the approved list.
The restrictions have been designed to make Wrexham City Centre a "pedestrian friendly destination," according to council officials.
The changes follow what was described as "parking mayhem" earlier this year when the High Street was branded the "most expensive car park in Wrexham" by Council Leader Mark Pritchard.
The regeneration project has transformed the High Street with new paving, flowerbeds and a digital advertising board. New seating and lamp-post signage promoting the city centre have also been installed.
The improvements were funded through various sources, including the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and the Welsh Government Transforming Towns Fund. Additional funding came from the Safer Streets Fund and Active Travel Fund.
But the project has not been without issues. In February, there was confusion due to the lack of a Traffic Regulation Order on High Street, Yorke Street and Abbot Street. This led to traffic travelling in both directions on what had previously operated as a one-way system.
Councillor Nigel Williams said: "Securing funding from the various sources has meant we were able to invest a significant amount of money in public realm improvements for the High Street area.
"Like any significant project of this size, there has been disruption caused, but at all times, we have attempted to keep disruption to a minimum.
"Drivers will need to understand and adhere to the new rules in place in order to keep the High Street and Wrexham City Centre a pedestrian-friendly destination.
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Drivers will not be able to stop on the high street during the operating hours
GETTY"With the final elements of the transformation due to be finished over the next few weeks, I look forward to seeing how the improvements benefit the area."
Local businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of the new restrictions on customer footfall. The Bank Small Plates restaurant has launched a 'Free Parking Scheme' to encourage people to continue visiting the High Street.
Under the initiative, the cost of parking will be deducted from customers' bills. Sharing the news on social media, a spokesperson for wine bar The Bank said: "We know this will make it difficult for many people who visit us, but we hope this will not put you off coming to see us or anyone else on High Street."
