Plan to challenge parking zones

There have been protests against the plans for parking zones

Protesters opposed to a controversial parking scheme in Cardiff could make a formal complaint about how evidence presented for the scheme was gathered.

Controlled parking zones (CPZs) have been agreed in principle by Cardiff council for six of the busiest suburbs.

The Canton and Riverside Action Group claims "false evidence" was presented to the council about the scale of parking problems in their area.

But Cardiff Council said all evidence collected was "factually correct".

The council introduced the CPZ proposals after warning that parking problems were expected to increase in many areas of Cardiff.

All evidence collected was factually correct at the time of observation Cardiff council spokesman

The CPZ plans would see new parking restrictions introduced in several Cardiff districts including Cardiff Bay, Canton, Cathays, Gabalfa, Riverside and Roath.

The plans would involve introducing pay and display restrictions as well as paid-for parking permits for residents.

Canton and Riverside Action Group has opposed the scheme in their area and says the scale of parking problems is not as great as claimed by the council.

Protesters also fear congestion will be worsened and small businesses will be forced to close.

The group has filmed a video of streets which could be affected under the CPZ showing streets earmarked for controlled parking appearing to have empty parking spaces during the daytime.

The group held a meeting on Wednesday evening about whether to make a formal complaint to Cardiff Council's chief executive about "false evidence used to justify the CPZ".

But the decision was delayed until a second meeting later this month.

A spokesperson for Cardiff Council denied that any evidence presented was falsified, and the council's leader accused the group of spreading misinformation via its website.

"I can confirm that the council has not falsified evidence to justify the proposed CPZs," the spokesman said.

"All evidence collected was factually correct at the time of observation.

"What this evidence shows, without any doubt, is that illegal long stay parking is taking place in short stay 'shopper' bays, illegal parking is taking place on yellow lines at junctions and double parking, often caused by the first point, is causing unnecessary congestion and delays to bus services."

And council leader Rodney Berman said: "It's a bit rich of this organisation to claim that the council is putting out misinformation when it's quite clear from their own website that they have a significant amount of misinformation about what the council is proposing."

He accused protesters of scaremongering to mislead residents into supporting the campaign.

The council's executive will consider the final information on the scheme on 6 November when the final decision will be made about whether it should go ahead or not.