Parking plan approved including new 'SUV tax'

A PARKING surcharge will be imposed on large vehicles such as SUVs in Cardiff following a major decision by the city council.

- TED PESKETT Local Democracy Reporter

The parking plans are an attempt to reduce commuter parking, encourage more sustainable modes of transport and improve air quality, the council claims

(Rob Browne)

Cardiff council's cabinet members approved plans for a new city parking plan at a meeting yesterday.

The plans will see new parking rules introduced across the capital in an attempt to reduce commuter parking, encourage more sustainable modes of transport and improve air quality. It will take time for the changes to be implemented, with the scheme set to be phased in over a period of 10 years.

Councillor Dan De'Ath, Cardiff council's cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning and transport, said the local authority was bringing forward the parking plan because "large parts of our inner city are absolutely saturated with cars".

He said the surcharge is aimed at big "American-style" SUVs that are "much larger than your average car", adding that the chances of a child dying is "grossly inflated" if they are hit by a vehicle of this size.