Parking change will drive people away, traders say

These have been proposed to happen across Cardiff

Plans to cut free parking in areas of Cardiff will "drive people away", traders have said.

Last year, Cardiff council announced it would consider getting rid of free parking entirely in multiple locations.

Following opposition from shop owners, café operators and residents, the proposal was reduced from two hours to 30 minutes of free parking.

"The two-hour was a fair slot for dog walkers and people using the park. Cutting it down will make people think twice about visiting," said one cafe owner.

The council said the change would improve turnover in busy areas and encourage more walking and cycling.

Geoffrey White-Park, who owns Café Castan in Llandaff Fields, added: "Why should they impose money to park on what is a free amenity? They should be creating more parking, not penalising people for using what's here."

The change is a part of an updated Traffic Regulation Order currently out for consultation until 4 September.

Other amendments to the council's original plan include reduced Sunday charges, an expanded season ticket scheme, and increased rates for longer stay parking.

The following council-owned car parks and on-street pay-and-display zones will be affected by the proposed changes.

• Whitchurch

• Llanishen

• Rhiwbina

• Canton

• Llandaff

• Cardiff Bay

Campaigners have said reduced free parking would hurt community access

Llandaff councillor Sean O'Driscoll, who supports maintaining the two hour free stays, said the new 30-minute allowance was "a small victory" but "still not long enough".

"People need to visit pharmacies, surgeries, shops, local businesses. It supports businesses when they need it most.," he said.

"This risks pushing more people towards out-of-town retail parks with free parking, at a time where we're trying to boost our high streets."

Residents continued to protest against the proposals

Cowbridge Road East, one of the main routes in and out of Cardiff city centre, is particularly reliant on footfall.

Zohaib Hussain, head of the Cowbridge Road East Traders Association, has campaigned against the removal of the free parking since it was first proposed.

He questioned whether the council understood the value of a "vibrant high street".

"Businesses are down 40-50% since the decision was announced. People are going to retail parks," he said.

"Everyone there has the head start of free parking - we're only asking for a level playing field."

Mr Hussain said the council had not listened to the concerns raised, adding: "The council needs to see the social value of the high street - it's not just about revenue."

The council said all feedback would be considered before a final decision was made.

It added the change "will allow drivers to pop into local shops without charge" and improve turnover in busy areas, encouraging more people to walk or cycle.