Cardiff will be charging SUV owners more to park outside their homes and restricting spaces for all motorists in the first move of its kind in Britain.
Chair of the Senedd’s Economy Committee and Conservative MS Andrew RT Davies has slammed proposals from Cardiff Council to charge drivers of Sports Utility Vehicles more to park in the city and also charge motorcyclists for the first time as well.
If approved, the plans would see Cardiff become Britain’s first city to impose such a tax. The idea was mooted last year and public consultation ended in December with implications for all residents in three new parking zones, students, businesses and visitors over the next ten years.
Mr Davies said, “This SUV tax is Labour’s latest crusade in their war on motorists, following hot on the heels of the 20mph policy they imposed on Wales with the help of Plaid Cymru separatists and the Lib Dems.
“So-called progressive activists may think we can cycle everywhere, but that isn’t the reality for those of us who live outside metropolitan centres. These latest anti-car proposals show how out of touch the political class are.”
In a statement on the City Council website, the authority said,
Key Features of the City Parking Plan
- Three Parking Management Areas: Cardiff will be divided into City & Civic Centre, Inner, and Outer Areas, each with tailored parking policies to reflect local needs.
- Introduction of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs): All on-street parking in the Central Area will be managed through CPZs, with operational hours and rules designed to prioritise residents, blue badge holders, essential services, and local businesses.
- Permit Reforms: New types of permits will be rolled out, including for residents, students, businesses, carers, and community premises. Surcharges will be introduced for oversized and highly polluting vehicles, while motorcycles will now require permits to park in resident bays.
- Visitor Parking Changes: Residents will be able to get daily visitor permits, but hourly ones will still be available for more flexibility. To prevent misuse, there will be a limit on how many visitor permits can be used.
- Support for Vulnerable Groups: The plan prioritises blue badge holders and introduces new permits for professional and unpaid carers, ensuring those who need parking most are supported.
- Flexible, Community-Led Approach: The operational days and times of parking controls in the Outer Area will be set in consultation with local communities, ensuring schemes meet real-world needs.
