Congestion charge proposal sparks anger from drivers

MOTORISTS have given an angry response to a proposal which could see drivers having to pay to come into Cardiff.

The city council has been told to come up with a plan to clean up the city’s air – or risk facing a scheme being forced on it by the Welsh Government.

As reported in yesterday’s Echo, the council has put forward a consultation of 18 different ideas, including more 20mph zones, more open spaces and better cycling facilities.

The plans also include controversial proposals for a “clean air zone” which could include vehicles being charged to enter it.

A similar scheme was first touted in 2012, nine years after London introduced its congestion charge.

The Cardiff proposal was ditched within weeks following fierce opposition.

Six years on, readers have had their say on the latest proposal. And the majority responding to our story on our website, Wales Online, and via our social media channels, aren’t happy – while others said it was high time that the capital tackled its pollution problem.

One common theme was disatisfaction with the alternative to driving – public transport.

Gareth Farr said: “Cardiff is so much smaller than London and businesses are closing down as quickly as they are set up... We haven’t got adequate train services as it is. And there is no bus station!

“And what is a half decent in Cardiff bus system. [There’s] a very limited bus service getting into our capital city! Especially on Sundays to and from the valleys, the last bus is at 4pm!?? ...this idea is a big mistake.”

Seajay wrote: “Such a scheme may work in a city with good public transport but Cardiff’s public transport is a disgrace.”

And Abbey72 said: “If they really cared about our health all buses should be free of charge, I would gladly get rid of my car then.”

Mark Thomas said: “I always drive to Cardiff public transportation is too expensive and they don’t run on time and taking the cars is much better ain’t caught a train or bus to Cardiff for years. When I priced a train before Xmas it was nearly £20 for 2 adults and 1 child when it only cost me £8 to take the car and park in Saint Davids 2 car park.”

Another concern was potential effect on business.

Krystle Seward said: “Shoppers are already doing more online and in out-of-town retail parks. the This will kill trade even further.”

Erica Lloyd said: “A city that is too expensive to park in, you now can’t drive through. I see less and less reason to visit Cardiff, and if I were a business owner, I’d see less and less reason to base myself in Cardiff.”

Another reader said public transport was simply too expensive.

The organisation “For Cardiff”, which represents businesses in the city, said: “We are keen to gauge the feedback of businesses to ascertain what they feel will work best to help alleviate the situation. There are practical and