**Major Revamp Planned for Cardiff’s City Road to Prioritise Pedestrians and Sustainable Travel**
City Road, well-known as one of Cardiff’s busiest and most congested thoroughfares, is set to undergo significant changes aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for pedestrians, while also encouraging greater use of public and sustainable transport. Cardiff Council has unveiled proposals that include the introduction of additional pedestrian crossings, a dedicated bus lane, and alterations to parking arrangements in and around this key route.
A vital link through the heart of the Plasnewydd area, City Road sees a daily mix of heavy traffic, including private vehicles, buses, cyclists, and pedestrians. According to the council’s plans, three new zebra crossings are to be installed at major junctions along the road—including spots near Keppoch Street and Glenroy Street, Cyfarthfa Street and Pearson Street, as well as Tavistock Street, Talworth Street, and Penlline Street. The current zebra crossing near The Parade is also set to be converted into a puffin crossing in an effort to facilitate safer passage for those visiting local businesses.
As part of a broader focus on sustainable transport, a new bus lane has been proposed for the section between Talworth Street and The Parade. It is hoped this addition will not only improve bus journey times but will also incentivise more people to opt for public transport instead of private vehicles. Changes to the layout and locations of existing bus stops are also on the cards, with the aim of further streamlining bus travel on the route.
Cycling infrastructure has also received attention in the new scheme. Plans reveal the addition of a cycle lane along Shakespeare Street and Milton Street, uniquely allowing cyclists to travel in the opposite direction to the current one-way system. This measure seeks to make cycling both a more practical and a safer alternative for commuters and residents within the area.
Funding for these ambitious upgrades is expected to come from a combination of grants provided by the Welsh Government Transport Fund and financial contributions from developers. Subject to securing the necessary resources, Cardiff Council anticipates rolling out the project in the 2026/2027 financial year.
In another notable move, the council has outlined proposals targeting the neighbouring Newport Road—a key artery connecting Cardiff city centre and Newport. The several measures under consideration include permanent cycle lanes, enhanced bus stops, improved crossings, junction upgrades, and various changes to vehicle lanes and restrictions. The motivation behind these proposals is not just to reduce traffic congestion but to steer more residents and visitors towards environmentally friendly modes of transport.
Parking is also set for a shake-up, especially in the wider Plasnewydd area. Council plans to implement new parking zones requiring both visitors and residents to secure parking permits or pay for parking. This strategy is aimed at freeing up spaces for local people and their guests, supporting local businesses through better vehicle turnover, and curbing problematic commuter parking.
Fees for parking on some of the city’s busiest streets may reach up to £8.50 for visitors under the proposed scheme, although some sections will offer free parking as long as users obtain a valid ticket. The council asserts these changes should make it easier for shoppers and visitors to find convenient parking spots while discouraging all-day stays by commuters.
While such large-scale developments often spark lively debate, the council maintains that these interventions are essential to ensuring Cardiff remains accessible, safe, and vibrant—both now and for future generations. Locals and businesses will have the opportunity to provide feedback before any work begins, ensuring the changes take into account the needs and perspectives of the communities they will affect.