Cardiff may become UK’s first city to impose SUV parking premium

Motorists driving sports utility vehicles (SUVs) or other large vehicles could be charged more to park in Cardiff if changes to parking permits are approved.

The city will be divided into three new districts, residence permits in the city center will be canceled and fewer permits will be given to students.

Lobby group Clean Cities said it believed Cardiff was the first city in the UK to put proposals on larger cars and SUVs to a Cabinet vote.

The 10-year plan affects residents, commuters and visitors, but new furloughs will be created for carers and NHS workers. A decision will be made by Cardiff council on Thursday but the cost of the permits will be determined at a later date.

The council said additional charges would apply to drivers with “oversized and polluting vehicles”.

Drivers with cars (SUVs) weighing more than 2,400 kg will pay more for the permit, and those with cars weighing more than 3,500 kg will not be able to benefit from this permit.

The plan aims to reduce traffic congestion and encourage people to walk, cycle or use public transport when traveling in and around the city.

It is hoped the plan will also reduce air pollution. Drivers of diesel vehicles will have to pay additional fees to encourage them to switch to less polluting vehicles.

Residential permits in the city center will be canceled and existing permits will be phased out once the owner moves out.

Some residents and motorists in Cardiff are divided over the proposed changes.

Peter North, who uses minibuses for work, said the proposed changes would unfairly penalize tradesmen who rely on their vehicles.

“They take up more space, and that’s fair enough, but why are they more dangerous?

“[The council] “I need an argument to say something like that.”

He added that his van was essential for his livelihood.

“I need this vehicle for my job. It’s a necessity. I use this van for my tools. I can’t be expected to take the bus everywhere.”

Nic Collins said he agreed it was important to have cleaner streets but felt the plan unfairly singled out some drivers.

“It would be a little unfair to target people just because they have a larger vehicle,” he said.

He added that the size of a car doesn’t always reflect how polluting it is.

“There are big cars that are hybrid, electric or economical, so I don’t think it makes much sense.”

But one Cardiff resident said he understood the idea: “I think it makes sense, it takes up more space on the road.”

“I understand where they’re coming from, but at the same time, if that’s your job and you need a work van, you shouldn’t be penalized for having a larger vehicle.”

But student Beca Hughes, 19, said: “I think a lot of people are addicted to furloughs.

“If you notice that there are a lot more people parking on the double yellow lines, you may have a hard time finding parking.”

He said students may not feel safe in the dark.

“If they can’t park right outside their home, that safety may not be guaranteed,” he said.

Joe Liston, 19, a sports coach and student, is “really not a fan” of halving visitor permit allowances for students.

“I really think it’s a bit unfair, I need my car for work, I work in schools as well as being a student, I might be in Caerphilly one day and Newport the next,” he said.

“How do you expect me to do this without a car?

“You can’t find a train quickly or I can’t pay for a taxi, there are so many people doing the same thing as me.”

Cardiff will be divided into three areas, known as parking management areas:

• City and Downtown
• Inner Area
• Outside Area

Each will have its own rules:

• The City and City Center will not have a residence permit
• The Inland Area will be a mix of permits and permitted bays, though not for businesses.
• Outer Zone allows all permits, but times when you need a permit may vary

Kathryn Williams, managing director of consultancy KEW Planning, said: “I think the infrastructure needs to be in place.”

He said people might not like the “double whammy” of being charged more for their SUVs when they already pay more car taxes.

“Will it be a deterrent? I think people need to be extremely careful when coming into the city,” he added.

“I think retailers and people who own businesses downtown will be concerned.

“I don’t think the communication around the consultation was that successful, as someone working in the industry we weren’t given the information.”

Ms Williams said public transport needed to be better.

He said: “I think we really need to look at improving things like our bus services, running slightly longer, slightly more frequent services, as with trains.

“I would have used the train more if they had run a little later.”

He added that there were “safety issues” with cycling in some parts of the city.

But resident Thomas Chu says downtown parking needs to be reduced.

He was paying £120 a month for parking at his flat.

“It’s not suitable for too many cars around here,” he said, adding that it would also reduce pollution.

According to the new parking plan, new permit types will be created:

• Essential service permits for NHS and council staff
• Community permits for places of worship and schools
• Operating permits but only outdoors
• Carer permits for professional and unpaid carers

Cardiff council said the new plan would “improve the quality of life for residents and visitors” and would “give priority to blue badge holders”.

Motorcyclists will now need a permit to park in established bays.

If the changes are approved on Thursday, there will be a further consultation before they are implemented.