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Cardiff Council to tax SUVs in parking plan

Friday, 3 October 2025 at 17:12

By Ted Peskett - Local Democracy Reporter X @TedPeskettNews

Pic: Ted Peskett

Cardiff Council is set to bring in a tax on SUVs (sport utility vehicles) as part of sweeping changes to parking.

Cabinet members will meet later this month to make a decision on its city parking plan aimed at reducing congestion, improving air quality, and restricting commuter parking in residential areas.

Other plans, which would be rolled out in phases over the next decade, include creating new parking zones and introducing new permits for professional and unpaid carers.

The parking plan was criticised when it was first announced last year – especially by students who rely on personal transport and felt the proposed restriction on parking permits for student-only properties would affect their studies.

But the council said the proposal in its current form has gone through a number of changes following consultation like revising the eligibility for student and business permits.

Cllr Dan De'Ath, cabinet member for transport, said: "Our new city parking plan is a vital step towards a stronger, fairer, greener, and more accessible future."

"By listening to residents and businesses we’re ensuring that our streets work for everyone – supporting local communities, tackling congestion, and helping us meet our climate goals."

"This plan is about making Cardiff a better place to live, work, and visit for years to come. But we recognise that parking is a finite resource and that difficult choices must be made to balance the needs of residents, businesses, visitors, and vulnerable groups."

"The city parking plan aims to support the city’s climate emergency response by encouraging cleaner vehicles and sustainable travel, reduce commuter parking in residential areas, make parking rules simpler and more consistent, and ensure fair access for all including those with additional mobility needs."

One key element of the planswill see Cardiff divided into three parking management zones - the city and civic centre area, the inner area and the outer area.

Cardiff Bay will be merged with the outer parking area - one of two changes made to the proposals following a public consultation.

Each zone will have tailored parking policies including which drivers will be allowed a parking permit and the types of parking allowed.

All on-street parking in the central area will be managed by controlled parking zones with operational hours and rules designed to prioritise residents, blue badge holders, essential services, and local businesses.

Surcharges will be introduced for oversized and highly-polluting vehicles and motorbikes will now require permits to park in resident bays.

Residents will be able to get daily visitor permits but hourly ones will still be available for more flexibility. To prevent misuse there will be a limit on how many visitor permits can be used.

Operational days and times of parking controls in the outer area - including the Bay - will be set in consultation with local communities.

The proposals will go before the environmental scrutiny committee on October 9th, before it goes before the cabinet a week later.

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