Cardiff Council has proposed significant changes to City Road, stirring mixed reactions from local business owners.
Cardiff Council has unveiled an ambitious proposal aimed at transforming City Road, one of the city’s busiest routes. The goal? To enhance pedestrian access and streamline public transport operations. As part of a larger push for sustainable travel in Cardiff, the plans include new zebra crossings, upgrades to existing ones, and the introduction of a contraflow cycle lane.
These changes are designed to make City Road safer and more accessible for everyone—from pedestrians to cyclists. How will these updates affect your daily commute?
Key Proposals for City Road
The proposed changes for City Road are both exciting and impactful.
Among the highlights is the addition of three new zebra crossings aimed at boosting pedestrian safety. Not only will existing crossings receive upgrades, but the introduction of a contraflow cycle lane is also on the agenda, reflecting the growing number of cyclists in the area.
Isn’t it about time we prioritized safer routes for everyone?
Additionally, the plan suggests converting a zebra crossing near The Parade into a puffin crossing, alongside improvements to a toucan crossing near the St Peter’s Street junction. These enhancements are expected to significantly improve pedestrian safety, especially during those hectic peak traffic hours.
One of the most crucial components of the proposal is a new bus lane on City Road, stretching from Talworth Street to The Parade. This bus lane aims to enhance public transport efficiency, allowing buses to operate without getting stuck behind parked vehicles. Plus, the council is planning to adjust bus stop locations, including a new stop near 66 City Road, while removing some existing ones. How will this reshuffling affect your travel plans?
On top of that, the council is suggesting changes to parking and loading arrangements. This includes new pay-and-stay parking bays, dedicated loading areas, and designated bays for disabled individuals and doctors. With plans to adjust parking restrictions, the goal is to maintain smooth traffic flow. There’s even a separate consultation for the proposed Plasnewydd South parking zone, which aims to establish residential permit zones in the broader area. Curious about how these changes will impact local businesses?
Business Owners Weigh In
To get a sense of local sentiment, several independent businesses along City Road shared their thoughts on the proposed changes. Reactions varied, highlighting the complexities of urban planning. Abulrhman Alkharuf, owner of Jan Barbers, expressed optimism, saying, “I think it will help barber shops because we do get so many customers. They can’t park their car, and they don’t want to leave their car on a double line.”
Alkharuf emphasized the importance of the zebra crossings, pointing out the dangers pedestrians face in such a busy area. He also welcomed the bus lane, arguing it could cut down on irresponsible parking, which he frequently witnesses. However, Masqood Ahmad raised concerns about how the bus and cycle lanes might impact business accessibility. “If they put the bus lane on the main City Road, there will be one-way traffic, which is creating chaos in Cardiff,” he explained. Ahmad is in favor of the pay-to-stay parking proposal but worries about losing parking spaces due to the new bus lane. Do these concerns resonate with your experience?
The Community’s Perspective
Arshad Ahmad, owner of A&G Mobile Repairs, echoed worries about parking, stressing the need for solutions that prioritize business needs. He argued that parking issues must be tackled before implementing a bus lane, suggesting that improved parking arrangements could help alleviate congestion. Zubeda Ashraf, who has operated Pirmahal Fashion on City Road for over two decades, expressed skepticism about the need for a bus lane given the limited bus service in the area. “There’s only one bus that goes past, the number nine,” she noted. “It has been running fine all these years. I don’t see why they need the bus lane.”
Amid these diverse opinions, a Cardiff Council spokesperson stated, “As this is a live consultation, we ask residents and businesses to view the proposal for City Road via the council’s website and share their views through the formal process.” The council is eager for public feedback, with the survey closing on August 17. Are you ready to make your voice heard?
