What we know so far about city's 'SUV tax'

Major changes to parking in the capital have been unveiled, including a so-called 'Land Rover tax' which will mean higher charges for heavier vehicles. Here, Local democracy reporter Ted Peskett looks at everything we know so far about the parking charges... and some of the key unanswered questions

- Jonathan Myers

Huge changes to parking are coming into force in Cardiff after the council approved plans for new surcharges and rules for drivers in the capital.

As previously reported in the Western Mail, Cardiff council's city parking plan - approved by cabinet members last Thursday - was brought in largely to reduce commuter parking.

But it also aims to reduce congestion and encourage people to use more sustainable modes of transport.

Key elements of the plan include bringing in a premium for drivers who want a parking permit for larger vehicles like SUVs (sports utility vehicles), and splitting Cardiff into different parking zones.

Here is what we know about the changes that are coming in - and some of the questions that are still unanswered.

The cost of new surcharges and what cars will be affected

Cardiff council will bring in a surcharge for vehicles that have a revenue weight of more than 2,400kg in the hope of encouraging drivers to switch to smaller modes of transport.

"Revenue weight" refers to the gross weight of a vehicle.

That is the weight of a vehicle when it is loaded to its maximum capacity with passengers, luggage, fuel and other fluids.

You can find out if your car will be affected by checking its revenue weight on the DVLA's website.

The council said the surcharge will eventually be reduced to 2,000kg for nonelectric vehicles.

Very large vehicles that are over 3,500kg in revenue weight will not be entitled to parking permits.

The council said its move on surcharges is also about road safety, adding in a recent report that larger vehicles pose more of a danger to pedestrians.

Cardiff council hasn't said exactly how much the surcharge will be, but there have been indications it is considering doubling the cost of a £35 annual permit for heavy vehicles.