For the past four years the centre of the walled town has been closed to traffic during the summer months of July and August. This week’s inquiry will look at whether the experimental scheme should become a permanent summer feature at the popular seaside town.

The inquiry has been brought about by TWTRA who are challenging what they claim are “excessive” access restrictions imposed on residents by the county council.

At present residents who have off-road parking at one of the 500 homes within the walled town are permitted one journey a day, during the restricted access period from 11.00am to 5.00pm. They are also given concessions at county council run car parks.

Fixed cameras read the number plates of all vehicles entering the restricted area - those not on the official list are posted fines. Concessions are made for funerals and weddings and for boat owners, who have authorized access to the harbour.

TWTRA is campaigning for unrestricted access for residents and businesses. The association supports pedestrianisation but is calling for a “workable and sustainable” scheme that would keep the town centre traffic free but allow access to residential streets.

Pembrokeshire County Council says that Tenby’s summer community, which swells from 5,000 to 50,000 during the holiday period, demonstrated “widespread support” for the scheme in response to a survey last year.

“Respondents to the questionnaires feel safer in an improved environment, as expressed through responses to questions on pedestrian movement,” said a county council spokesman.

He said that pedestrianisation within the walled town created a café culture and a relaxing, pleasant atmosphere. He continued that the majority of the 300 businesses within Tenby thought that pedestrianisation had a positive effect.