Cardiff’s bustling City Road is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with new proposals unveiled that aim to reshape the urban landscape and improve infrastructure for residents and visitors alike. This ambitious urban development plan seeks to address long-standing issues concerning traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and public transport efficiency along one of the city’s most vital arteries.
Central to these proposed changes is the introduction of a dedicated bus lane, strategically positioned between Talworth Street and The Parade, designed to streamline public transport services. Complementing this, several bus stop locations are set to be reconfigured, including the establishment of a new stop near 66 City Road, alongside the removal of others to optimize bus routes and accessibility, contributing to enhanced traffic management.
Furthermore, the comprehensive blueprint includes substantial modifications to existing parking and loading arrangements across City Road. These adjustments encompass the creation of new pay-and-stay parking bays, the implementation of dedicated loading zones, disabled access bays, and doctors’ bays, all aimed at maintaining consistent traffic flow and addressing local needs. A concurrent consultation is also underway for the proposed Plasnewydd South parking zone, which intends to introduce residential permit schemes in the broader vicinity, signifying significant parking reforms.
Local business owners, the lifeblood of City Road, have responded with a mix of optimism and apprehension regarding these urban development initiatives. Abulrhman Alkharuf, owner of Jan Barbers, expressed positive sentiments regarding the proposals, particularly highlighting the benefit of new zebra crossings for enhanced pedestrian safety. He noted that the existing traffic levels often make crossing the road hazardous, and these crossings would significantly improve public accessibility.
Alkharuf also acknowledged the potential advantages of the new bus lane, foreseeing it as a deterrent to irresponsible parking, a frequent issue that currently obstructs bus movements and traffic. While supportive of the pay-to-stay parking initiative for its potential to alleviate current parking difficulties for local businesses, he voiced concerns that extensive bus or cycle lanes might inadvertently deter customers due to perceived lack of convenient parking, impacting the viability of Cardiff City Road enterprises.
Other independent business owners echoed these sentiments, with Zubeda Ashraf of Pirmahal Fashion, a long-standing fixture on City Road, questioning the utility of a new bus lane given that only one bus route, the number nine, primarily serves the area. Mohammed, another local entrepreneur, shared parking concerns, suggesting that the plans might prioritize cyclists over the needs of local commerce, further highlighting the ongoing parking reforms debate.
These diverse perspectives underscore a critical tension: the aspiration for improved urban infrastructure versus the potential impact on established local businesses. While some believe streamlined traffic and better public transport could attract more visitors, others fear that reduced parking options could lead to a decline in footfall and revenue, ultimately affecting their livelihoods within the Cardiff City Road community.
In response to the varied community feedback, Cardiff Council has emphasized that the proposals are currently under active consultation. Residents and business owners are strongly encouraged to review the detailed plans on the council’s website and submit their views through the formal process, ensuring that all perspectives are considered before final decisions are made on City Road’s future, a pivotal moment in its urban development.
