Llandaff Fields may soon charge for parking. Hourly fees are proposed with a four hour maximum stay.
The new plan includes hourly parking fees. One hour will cost £1, two will cost £2, and three will cost £3.50. Four hours will cost £4.50. The maximum stay will be four hours.
The council hasn’t said when these fees start. Objections must be in by February 22, 2025. Last year, free parking removal got announced, affecting areas including Llandaff and Rhiwbina.
The council faces big budget challenges currently and needed to save £30m in 2024-25. A petition against Llandaff parking fees got 3,340 signatures.
A councillor worries about local business impacts, suggesting businesses might struggle more if the charges start. Llandaff High Street businesses already expressed concerns. Employees think charges impact customers. One manager said charges could hurt business, while another said parking is already hard, and this change could make things worse.
Older residents also voiced their dismay, stating that free parking helps them reach needed services. Yvonne Apsitis relies on it for medical visits and also uses it for charity groups. Elizabeth attends a support group weekly and stated that the group gives them social help. The council didn’t give a start date on when the changes happen.
The plan removes free parking in residential areas too, as part of the 2024-25 budget decision. These changes could take six months to finalize legally.
A council spokesperson discussed the hard budget, and cited the need to remove free parking. Extra income will go to roads and transport. The goal involves improving public transport and encouraging cycling and walking. Improving bus service will also provide options and reducing traffic could improve air quality. Better travel options could make Cardiff better.
