CITY CAR PARKING CHARGES TO RISE BY UP TO 20%:
PARKING charges in Cardiff city centre are set to increase from the start of next month.
On-street pay and display in the city centre area and off-street car parks will be increased by as much as 20% in some areas from December 1 – as shoppers prepare for the lead up to Christmas.
Drivers parking in the Castle Mews, North Road, and Sophia Gardens car parks will also see price changes.
An AA spokesman said: “There needs to be a balance between parking charges that reflect and control demand and levels that don’t put off potential shoppers and visitors. Such big increases, we believe, will put off many drivers and steer them towards entering the city only when they have to.”
A council spokesman said: “The council reviews parking tariffs every two years and an increase in charges in its off-street car parks at Castle Mews, Havannah Street, North Road, Sophia Gardens and The Barrage was agreed in the 2017/18 Budget.
“The increase in costs and changes to the times are aimed at encouraging commuters to choose more sustainable modes of transport, whilst trying to create a higher turnover of parking spaces for visitors closer to the city centre.
“Short stay car parks closer to the city centre have maximum stay periods to encourage a turnover of users and encourage shoppers, only visiting for shorter times, to park there.
“As part of the review, the cost of parking all day at the North Road long stay car park is now £8 and a new four hour tariff option has been introduced to give greater flexibility for drivers wishing to stay for a shorter period throughout the day.
“The new charges remain competitive in comparison to other parking options in the city and other core cities.”