A new scheme that could see some businesses charged for employee parking spaces is now being looked into
Cardiff Council hopes to go forward with a new scheme that would help improve bus services throughout the city(Image: John Myers)
Controversial plans for a congestion charge for drivers in Cardiff look set to be axed with alternative proposals to be explored.
The idea of a congestion charge, first mooted in 2023, will officially remain on the table when a consultation launches this summer but the city council’s cabinet has said it does not back the idea.
Instead senior councillors in the capital support a so-called workplace parking levy, which is a charge to certain businesses for employee parking spaces on their premises.
The council said in a statement the money raised would be used to improve bus services across Cardiff by making them more frequent, more reliable, and more affordable. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here.
The levy – alongside the suggestion for a congestion charge and a ‘do nothing’ alternative – looks set to be part of a consultation that will go out to residents and businesses this summer pending a council cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 16.
According to the council similar workplace parking levy schemes in other cities – such as Nottingham, where the scheme has been in place for several years – have been looked at.
Nottingham’s scheme mainly applies to larger businesses and organisations while many smaller businesses and locations such as hospitals are exempt. Bristol is also exploring a similar approach.
Cllr Dan De’Ath, Cardiff council cabinet Member for climate change, strategic planning, and transport, said: “Creating a high-quality public transport system to support economic growth in Cardiff is important to the city’s future and this has been set out in our 10-year transport strategy.
“Cardiff already has the highest level of car ownership of any UK core city and that is putting increasing pressure on our road network.
“Without action congestion will worsen – affecting journey times, air quality, and the city’s ability to grow, thrive, and develop.
“The public have told us their priority is a much cheaper, more convenient, and reliable bus service.
“If approval is given by cabinet to consult with the public we will still need to look at a number of measures, as required by law, but the assessments carried out to date indicate that the workplace parking levy would be our preference as it has less impact on local residents and business but can still help to raise funds for transport improvements.
“Any scheme developed for Cardiff would be designed with fairness in mind including exemptions and support for essential users. However without introducing something like this we will never be able to afford the public transport network that residents deserve.”
Since April 2023 Cardiff council has been looking at ways to raise additional funding for public transport.
At the time the authority announced it would explore different forms of road user charging to help reduce congestion and improve air quality with a congestion charge among the options being considered.
Cllr De’Ath added: “We are committed to working with residents, businesses and stakeholders as we develop these proposals. Cardiff must act now to deliver cleaner air, better transport and a stronger and a more productive city.”
Before any such levy could be introduced new legislation would have to be passed by the Welsh Government to provide a legal framework.
The cabinet will consider a newly-published report on the proposals on July 16.
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