Cardiff parking zone plan changes

There have been protests against the plans for parking zones

Plans for controlled parking zones (CPZ) in some of Cardiff's suburbs have been altered by the city council after objections were raised.

Business leaders were concerned at the effect on passing trade and residents complained about paying to park.

Changes include residents given a free permit, a second one at a reduced rate, and £1 daily visitor passes for guests.

There will also be business permits, long stay parking, and designated loading bays in shopping streets.

Proposals also include a £3 long-stay parking charge for staff members in side roads.

It was clear that people had a wide range of concerns Councillor Elgan Morgan

The issue has been controversial and would see new parking restrictions introduced in several Cardiff districts including the Bay, Canton, Cathays, Gabalfa, Riverside and Roath.

It would involve introducing pay-and-display restrictions and paid-for parking permits for residents.

However, despite some opposition, a public consultation exercise in the areas affected showed that two-thirds of residents were in favour. But many issues of concern were also highlighted.

Worries included the negative impact on businesses, parking problems for workers, access to community facilities and the cost.

Cardiff Council has now responded to these concerns by changing the proposals, including the first 15 minutes parking becoming free, with low charges for on-street parking.

The council said concern about access to facilities such as community halls and places of worship would addressed with "community" permits, disabled bays and increasing the parking space close to community venues. Each venue will also be given two free permits.

Elgan Morgan, the council's executive member for environment and transport, said: "We had a very good consultation regarding this issue but it was clear that people had a wide range of concerns.

"We have now examined those concerns in detail and have brought forward proposals to help address those issues while at the same time ensuring we are putting forward a scheme which will enable congestion in the city to be tackled and the very real job of keeping Cardiff moving given key priority."

If the go-ahead is given, work is likely to start in summer 2007, and implementation in November 2008.

Work to convert the city centre area from voucher parking to pay-and-display meters will be completed by August 2007.

The council's executive will consider the changes to the plans on 11 January.