Road redesign plan ‘could cause parking chaos’

RESIDENTS and business owners fear plans to redesign a road in a busy Cardiff suburb could cause parking “mayhem”.

They say the plans will further reduce the limited parking space in the area between Canton and Riverside.

Cardiff council has proposed changes to the junction of Severn Grove, Wyndham Road and Romilly Crescent as part of a scheme to improve the safe route to St Mary’s Primary School.

They include the introduction of a zebra crossing outside the school in Wyndham Crescent and another at the junction where the road meets Romilly Crescent.

Pavements will be extended around the zebra crossing, reducing the number of parking spaces.

Sue Fitzgerald regularly stays with her partner Gus at his house in Wyndham Road and often finds it difficult to park.

“There are going to be fewer spaces and it’s going to be mayhem,” the 57-yearold said. “Whenever there’s anything going on in town they all park around here because if they get fined and there’s five of them then that’s only a fiver each.

“I haven’t met a single person who is in favour of the changes.”

Jan Williams, 58, owner of Beti Biggs specialist paint shop in Romilly Crescent, said: “People come to my shop particularly because I sell a particular range of paint.

“Most people have made a special trip to come there so it’s important to me that people are able to park.

“As far as I’m aware I have never known there to be an accident there. If it had proved itself to be a dangerous site I would be grateful but it’s not because of that.”

Parking is notoriously difficult around the narrow streets of Canton and Pontcanna.

The combination of housing, businesses and schools can cause a swell of traffic through the area at peak times.

Emily Chant, manager of Steve’s Hair Design in Romilly Crescent, said she was worried her staff will find it more difficult to park.

“I have been here 10 years and struggle to park outside anyway,” the 26-year-old said. “We get here at 9am and we can be driving around for 20 minutes looking for a space.”

A spokesman for Cardiff council said: “The council is currently consulting on this scheme and representations have to be made to the council so they can be considered during this process.

“Local residents and businesses can make representations to the council by emailing TransportProjects@cardiff.gov. uk or on 029 2087 3802. These comments need to be sent before July 31.”