### Cardiff Traders Warn Loss of Free Parking Could Cost Thousands
Concern is mounting among local business owners in Whitchurch, Cardiff, as the council considers plans to reduce the two-hour free parking allowance in high street car parks, a move they argue could result in significant losses and threaten the viability of small shops.
Currently, car parks near Whitchurch High Street, including Merthyr Road and Penlline Road Pay and Display areas, grant visitors free parking for up to two hours. The possibility of abolishing this perk has provoked an outcry from traders, who say the resulting dip in customer numbers could have a crippling effect. In response to the backlash, the council has adjusted its initial proposal and now suggests reducing – rather than eliminating – the free period, offering 30 minutes instead.
Alwen Lewis, proprietor of Iechyd Da, an independent environmentally-friendly food store, expressed anxiety about the proposed changes, estimating potential annual losses of around £7,000 to her business alone. “Many customers only pop in for small purchases – often less than £2. If parking comes at a cost, these visits will vanish. Why would someone spend more on parking than the value of their goods?” she explained, describing free parking as crucial to her shop’s survival.
Ms. Lewis added that she already operates on very slim margins and is acutely aware of the knock-on impact that even modest drops in trade can bring. “As it stands, my staff earn more than I do, just so I can keep the doors open,” she said. She also highlighted a unique aspect of local small business: shoppers often visit several retailers on one trip, an ecosystem nurtured by generous parking arrangements. “With an hour’s free parking, someone can visit two or three businesses – a greengrocer, a refill shop, the post office. That’s the lifeblood of streets like ours,” she added.
Support for the shopkeepers’ campaign has grown rapidly. At the time of writing, 1,386 people have signed a petition demanding the council retain at least one hour of free parking, with further consultation underway. Residents have been encouraged to submit their opinions directly to the council as officials finalise their decision.
Following robust feedback from both business owners and the public, Councillor Marc Palmer confirmed that Cardiff Council had reconsidered its original proposal. “After listening to the community, the council will now propose 30 minutes of free parking instead of none, which will make it easier for quick errands like school drop-offs, prescription collections, or picking up a newspaper without incurring extra charges,” he stated.
In addition to amending the parking time, the council also intends to consult on other parking-related measures. Proposed changes include potential reductions in Sunday parking charges, the introduction of additional weekend-only season tickets, higher fees for long-term parking, and extending pay-and-display operations by one hour to 6pm. All these suggestions will move forward through the legal consultation process associated with a revised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
For now, the established two-hour free parking will remain in place while the statutory consultation is undertaken. According to a council spokesperson, “No permanent changes will be made until the legal process concludes and the feedback from public consultation has been fully considered.”
Independent businesses up and down the country are facing a cocktail of challenges, including rising overheads, online competition, and reduced footfall. For Cardiff’s high street traders, the outcome of this parking debate could prove pivotal. Many believe that policies which protect convenient, short-term parking are vital to maintaining the vibrancy and diversity of local shopping districts.
The council’s final decision is eagerly awaited, with local traders and residents hopeful that a solution will be found that balances the city’s operational needs with small business survival and community convenience. Further updates are expected as the consultation process continues.