Thousands of for city move
parking at the HMRC office at the Ty Glas site.
Last year one resident recorded a video of cars causing obstructions, highlighting the possibility of preventing access for emergency services.
At the time a spokeswoman for HMRC said they encouraged staff to use other forms of transport as they were “conscious of staff car parking” and they “provide space for as many staff as possible to park off-road”.
According to the Office of National Statistics, there were 172,100 working residents in the city but 228,300 people working in it in 2017.
Although 32,600 people commuted out of Cardiff last year for work, 88,700 commuted into the Welsh capital.
Of those, just over 21,000 are from the Vale of Glamorgan, over 18,000 from Rhondda Cynon Taf, and over 7,000 from Newport.
There were also commuters from Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Blaenau Gwent, Torfaen and Monmouthshire, as well as a few thousand commuters from outside Wales. Being so close to Cardiff’s main train station, the council, the BBC and HMRC all cite being in such close proximity to the rail network as one reason why there is a lack of parking spaces.
The consensus seems to be that public transport is good enough to accommodate the influx of workers.
But with crowded Valley line services – being described sometimes as “like a cattle market” – and widespread dissatisfaction with the current service, it’s perhaps not surprising that commuters have ditched trains for their journey to work.
Other public transport options could help the site.
The new main bus station being built in the same development means that more workers could move to bus services.
There are also plans to transform the railways in Wales with a new Metro service – with an increase in frequency, capacity and quality of stock.
There are plans to see improvements in service from December, the chief executive of Keolis UK, who will run the Wales & Borders franchise with Spanish infrastructure management consultancy Amey, said.
By 2023 95% of journeys will be on new trains, with £1.9bn invested in improving travel experience.
Some Grangetown residents aren’t happy already.
Joe O’Reilly, who has lived on the Taff Embankment for over 50 years, said he was “appalled and saddened at the decline in the area which will be hastened by this project”.
He said he now struggles to find a parking space when he goes out.
The 76-year-old said: “Over the years we have competed with commuters. We are quite happy to simply be able to park relatively near to our homes.
“The number of commuters is increasing steadily, with some showing parking permits
for towns other than Cardiff.
“In the side streets the new rain gardens have taken away on average 13 parking spaces, forcing residents to search for alternative spaces.
“Each day the riverside of the embankment is occupied by commuters from early to late.
“When the double yellow lines are put on the riverside of the road there is going to be absolute chaos.
“Many residents do not leave in the morning. If you go out in the day it is certain a commuter will have parked in the space you have vacated. Most of the garages which were built with the houses are too narrow.
“Other parts of the city have 90% resident parking. We have asked for similar treatment.
“What is going to happen in Grangetown when thousands of workers move into the BBC and HMRC offices in the Wood Street area shortly? Has anyone seen the huge car park at Llanishen which is to be vacated? “Something must be done soon.” Councillor Lynda Thorne said she was “concerned” as a ward councillor for Grangetown.
She was worried about the added “pressure” from commuters, as well as visitors to Cardiff Bay, Cardiff City FC, and the Principality Stadium using Grangetown to park. “We’re getting hit from every side.” A city council spokesman said: “The council is committed to improving sustainable travel into and around the city, which is walking, cycling and public transport.
“A significant amount of money is being invested in a new bus interchange and the redevelopment of Cardiff Central Station
“The Welsh Government has also recently announced details on the metro, which will transform public transport into Cardiff.
“Riverside and Grangetown are 100% residential parking. Parking will be monitored.”
What do you think? Email your thoughts to jessica.walford@walesonline.co.uk