Motorists owning larger vehicles could soon find themselves facing increased parking fees right outside their homes. This decision comes from Cardiff’s Labour council leaders, who have decided to implement higher charges for those driving larger cars, such as SUVs and Land Rovers.
The plan, which was approved during a council executive meeting on Thursday, also includes the elimination of resident parking permits in the city center and a reduction in permits available to students.
A spokesperson for the council explained that the additional fees for heavier vehicles, including SUVs, would be minimal when compared to the overall cost of purchasing such vehicles. The spokesperson emphasized that the extra charge applies to residential parking permits for vehicles weighing over 2.4 tonnes.
The rationale behind this decision is linked to the environmental and infrastructural impacts of heavier vehicles. These vehicles tend to emit more pollutants, contribute to road wear, and pose a higher safety risk in traffic collisions.
‘Cabinet has approved the principle of an additional charge for residential parking permits for vehicles weighing over 2.4 tonnes.
‘These heavier vehicles typically produce more emissions, cause greater wear and tear on roads, and critically pose a significantly higher risk in the event of a road traffic collision.’
The policy follows the country’s controversial implementation of a default 20mph speed limit.
Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said the council was ‘unduly penalising’ people who drive larger vehicles.
It comes as drivers in Paignton previously vented their anger at being hit with parking fines for ‘overhanging’ cars (pictured)
Permits in Cardiff currently cost £35 for one car annually and £90 for the second – but could double for larger cars.
This includes SUVs beloved by families along with larger vehicles with 4×4 capabilities to handle rugged terrain.
Mr Davies said: ‘I don’t believe it is right that people are going to be penalised unduly with a heavy tax on the vehicle they drive because of the conditions they live in.’
After announcing the plans back in December, Cardiff council are expected to rubber stamp the new charges today – a package of measures aimed at reducing congestion, improving air quality, and restricting commuter parking in residential areas.
Cardiff council’s cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning, and transport, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said: ‘Our new city parking plan is a vital step towards a stronger, fairer, greener, and more accessible future.
‘By listening to residents and businesses we’re ensuring that our streets work for everyone – supporting local communities, tackling congestion, and helping us meet our climate goals.
‘This plan is about making Cardiff a better place to live, work, and visit for years to come.
‘But we recognise that parking is a finite resource and that difficult choices must be made to balance the needs of residents, businesses, visitors, and vulnerable groups.’
Visitors who paid to park on the seafront claimed they had been slapped with costly penalties because their vehicles didn’t fit inside the markings
Gift shop owner Peter Hall, 62, from Llandaff, said: ‘They’ve hit the inheritance tax and the national insurance and now the motorist has got the hit.’
He said larger vehicles are being taxed because owners are perceived to have more money and will ‘accept it more’.
Mr Hall said he drives a SUV Volvo XC90 which he bought second hand as it suits his family life.
He added: ‘Parking generally is an absolute nightmare in Cardiff, but every city is.
‘I’ve just got to accept they’re coming for me.’
He said he would pay if asked and he thought other SUV drivers would too.
Emma Park, 51, questioned whether the tax would apply to older SUVs and said people often had reasons for having bigger cars.
Ms Park said: ‘I get that some people buy these large cars because they’re a bit of a status symbol but to make a sweeping generalisation that everyone who has one can afford to pay more for parking isn’t fair.’
Driver Stacey Chaplin, 54, argued the rule ‘makes no sense’.
‘Sometimes people buy the SUV because it’s the cheaper vehicle,’ she said.
Andrew RT Davies, Conservative Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central and former Welsh party leader, said the proposals amounted to an ‘SUV tax’.
He added: ‘This is Labour’s latest crusade in their war on motorists, following hot on the heels of the 20mph policy.
‘So-called progressive activists may think we can cycle everywhere but that isn’t the reality for those of us who live outside metropolitan centres.
‘These latest anti-car proposals show how out of touch the political class are.’
