Overview

• Councillors are due to decide today on a City Parking Plan that could make Cardiff the first UK city to levy extra charges on larger cars, with aims to curb commuter parking and improve air quality.
• The proposal applies a surcharge to vehicles over 2,400kg in revenue weight, later dropping to 2,000kg for non‑electric cars, and bars permits for vehicles over 3,500kg.
• The plan restructures the city into three Parking Management Areas and controlled zones, with the city and civic centre area phasing out residential permits when holders move.
• Following 6,381 consultation responses, revisions include merging the Bay into the outer area, limited changes to student permit eligibility with reduced visitor allowances, flexible control hours in outer zones, and a smaller inner zone with revised business support; council findings report two thirds backing higher charges for larger vehicles.
• If adopted, the council must update Traffic Regulation Orders and consult on tariffs before a phased implementation over up to 10 years, with leaders promoting safety and cleaner streets and critics warning of unfair costs for some drivers.