Craig Martin, who runs New Foundations in Canton, says parking charge changes introduced by Cardiff council six months ago have left him "down thousands of pounds". In December, the council reduced free parking from two hours to 30 minutes in several car parks across the city, including Canton. Martin said the change took effect just before Christmas, his busiest period, and he felt the full effect immediately.
Traders report quieter streets and rushed shoppers
Stavros Constantinou, who runs Stavros Constantinou Hairdressing, described the changes as detrimental at an already difficult time for small businesses. "It's not very popular and it is quieter now," he said. "In the old days you come along park for two hours free and then pay if you wanted to stay longer. Now they've got only a half an hour free which doesn't give people time to do their shopping." He noted that costs for small businesses have risen across the board, from rates to water rates and parking rates.
Cheryl, who works at Jah Beauty, said shoppers now feel rushed. "[The two-hour free parking] was very helpful for the business, but now that [free parking] is 30 minutes it's hard for people to go around and look for what they want." She said she has "definitely" noticed lower footfall since the parking changes.
Council defends changes as necessary for maintenance
A Cardiff council spokesman said: "Council-operated car parks cost money to run, maintain, and enforce and are also subject to taxes. Even 'free' parking has a cost meaning taxpayers would otherwise subsidise private vehicle use." The spokesman added that the revised charges ensure the service can be maintained for residents and visitors, and that following public consultation, the first 30 minutes remains free to support short trips to local shops. Charges start from £1, which the council says is far lower than comparable cities. Parking is always free for Blue Badge holders and for all motorists after 6pm.
The council said it is monitoring car park use through surveys and will cross-compare this data with information collected before the changes. "Feedback from businesses will be considered although we have not received evidence to date of any reduced sales or footfall. We would welcome any such evidence as part of the review if it is available from traders," the spokesman added.
