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The dates are:

• Wednesday, 17 December 2025
• Thursday, 18 December 2025
• Friday, 19 December 2025
• Saturday, 20 December 2025
• Sunday, 21 December 2025

Councilor Wyndham Griffiths, Neath Port Talbot Council's Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning, Transport and Connectivity, said: "The ongoing initiative to offer free parking was designed to benefit local businesses directly, by making town centers more accessible to shoppers and visitors in the days before Christmas.

"By removing parking costs on selected days, the scheme encourages more people to visit, boosts customer spending and creates a more welcoming environment for residents and tourists alike."

Councilor Jeremy Hurley, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Economic Growth added: "This approach supports the vibrancy of the town centres of Neath, Port Talbot and Pontardawe, helping businesses recover from the challenges of the pandemic and strengthening the local economy through greater engagement and greater community presence.

"This is completely in line with the council's ongoing marketing campaign 'Supporting our Town Centres', which encourages residents to shop locally and support independent businesses."

This year's free parking timetable was agreed following a consultation with businesses and organisations located in the town centres of Neath, Port Talbot, and Pontardawe.

Eligible businesses and organisations were invited to vote on their preferred five days of free parking for the 2025-26 financial year. The most popular dates, selected before April 2025, will now be implemented by the council's parking services team.

This collaborative approach has ensured that the free parking schedule aligns with the preferences of local business stakeholders.

The Town Centre Support Team encourages residents to take advantage of the free parking days by shopping locally and supporting the independent traders who help make our town centres unique. Visitors from nearby areas are very welcome to discover the lively town centres of Neath Port Talbot, find new places and enjoy the special atmosphere while supporting local businesses.

These are the car parks involved in the initiative:

Neath

• High Street Car Park
• Milland Road Car Park
• Neath Multi-Storey Car Park    
• Rosser Street Car Park

Port Talbot

• Bethany Square Car Park          
• Civic Centre Car Park  
• Harbourside - Parkway
• Port Talbot Multi-Storey Car Park          
• St Mary's Car Park         
• Station Road Car Park 

Pontardawe

• Herbert Street Lower Car Park
• Herbert Street Upper Car Park
• Pontardawe By-Pass Car Park

For more information on parking in Neath Port Talbot follow this link: Car parks - Neath Port Talbot Council