**Significant Overhaul Proposed for Cardiff’s City Road: Businesses and Residents Respond**
A major transformation could soon be underway for one of Cardiff’s most heavily trafficked thoroughfares. Cardiff Council has unveiled detailed proposals to overhaul City Road, including its adjoining side streets, in an effort to promote sustainable travel and enhance safety for all road users. The plan has sparked lively debate amongst local business owners, residents, and community members, as the consultation period moves ahead.
The proposed changes are far-reaching and are centred on making the bustling commercial strip more accessible for pedestrians, streamlining public transport, and improving cycling infrastructure. Key features include three new zebra crossings and the upgrade of existing crossings, alongside the installation of a new contraflow cycle lane. Notably, a zebra crossing near The Parade would be converted into a signalised puffin crossing, while new cycle lanes are set to be introduced on Shakespeare Street and Milton Street.
Another significant aspect of the scheme is the creation of a dedicated bus lane along City Road between Talworth Street and The Parade. The council is also reviewing bus stop placements, with plans for a new stop near 66 City Road and the possible removal of others. This, they argue, will help keep buses running smoothly and on time through the often congested corridor.
Parking and loading arrangements form a substantial component of the proposed changes. The plans lay out adjustments to pay-and-stay parking bays, designate new loading, disabled and doctors’ bays, and propose modifications to current parking restrictions to help maintain steady traffic flow. Parallel to this strategy, a separate consultation is underway regarding the introduction of a Plasnewydd South residential parking permit zone, which would place further controls around the wider area.
The impact of such proposals on the local business community is under intense scrutiny. Many independent traders along City Road have provided mixed feedback. Abdurrahman Alkharuf, owner of Jan Barbers, described the current parking situation as a “nightmare,” expressing hope that dedicated park-and-stay spaces would attract more customers who currently struggle to find somewhere legal and convenient to leave their vehicles. “Barber shops like ours lose customers because people don’t want to risk a parking fine,” he explained, welcoming the proposals for better crossings as a way to improve both pedestrian safety and access.
However, there are also voices of concern among the area’s entrepreneurs. Maqsood Ahmad, who runs a business on City Road, fears that the introduction of new bus and cycle lanes could further restrict the already limited parking, potentially deterring shoppers and impacting trade. “If parking is reduced or made more difficult, it could really harm local businesses,” he warned, although he acknowledged that improved pedestrian crossings are positive from a safety perspective.
Arshad Ahmad, of A&G Mobile Repairs, echoed similar worries, particularly about evening congestion and lack of parking for both staff and customers. He suggests that addressing the parking shortage should be prioritised over introducing a bus lane. “Solving the parking issue would do more to improve trade and reduce congestion than a bus lane would,” he argued.
Meanwhile, Zubeda Ashraf, a long-standing business owner at Pirmahal Fashion, questioned the necessity of a dedicated bus lane, pointing out that, in her experience, only one bus route operates regularly on City Road. She did, however, support the introduction of pay-and-display parking, stating that customers often face penalties for brief stops—a concern she believes the new scheme could mitigate.
Another trader, Mohammed, suggested an even more radical measure: making City Road one-way. In his view, this would alleviate congestion, streamline access, and improve the overall customer experience. He also supports expanded paid parking, believing it would help resolve persistent problems with inconsiderate parking and traffic blockages.
Cardiff Council is urging residents and business owners alike to review the proposals and share their views via the council’s website before the public consultation closes on 17 August. A spokesperson emphasised the importance of community feedback in shaping the final outcome, stating, “As this is a live consultation, we ask all those affected to take part and make their voices heard through the formal process.”
The outcome of this consultation will be closely watched across the city, with the potential to set a blueprint for future street upgrades in other busy urban areas. As City Road continues to be a focal point for debate about the future of Cardiff’s urban infrastructure, the council’s plans jury remain very much out until thorough consideration of public opinion has taken place.
In the meantime, businesses, residents, and commuters are all encouraged to weigh in—highlighting yet again how changes to city transport planning can resonate well beyond simple engineering works, shaping the daily lives of thousands for years to come.