SUVs and other large vehicles to receive higher parking charges in Cardiff

Sources: BBC News, Sky News, Guardian, Clean Cities

Cardiff has become the first UK city to decide in favour of higher residential parking permit charges on larger vehicles weighing over 2,400 kg, following approval of proposed plans by the Welsh capital city’s council cabinet. The weight limit will affect many SUV-type cars.

The proposed changes come after a public consultation in which 66% of respondents said they agreed that owners of larger vehicles should pay more for their parking permits.

The plan in Cardiff would see the city split into three parking management zones, with the central area having no residential permits, an inner area featuring a mix of permits and permitted bays (though not for businesses), and an outer area with all permits allowable, and variable time restrictions.

The SUV problem

Research shared by campaign group Clean Cities shows that the number of SUVs in England’s cities has increased from 3% to 30% of cars in the space of two decades; in London specifically, numbers have increased from approximately 80,000 in 2002 to around 800,000 in 2023. Clean Cities also reports that cars overall are getting wider with higher bonnets, presenting higher risks to pedestrians, and putting pressure on parking space and infrastructure.

A Cardiff council spokesperson stated, “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.”

A developing approach to SUV management

Paris is seen by many campaigners as a forerunner in introducing policies to tackle the proliferation of SUVs. Parisians voted in February 2024 to dramatically increase parking costs for SUVs, and evidence suggests an impact is being seen, with the Le Parisien newspaper saying that the increased parking rate had reduced numbers of SUVs using surface parking facilities by two-thirds. In the UK, campaigners are calling for similar measures to be implemented in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, and other European cities have been considering options for some time. 

Oliver Lord, the UK head of Clean Cities, said, “Other cities across the UK could learn from Cardiff’s leadership. Cardiff is showing real vision by standing up to the SUV ‘carspreading’ that is taking over our streets. It’s only fair that those driving the biggest, heaviest and most polluting vehicles pay more for the extra space and danger they bring.”

Cardiff Council cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning & transport, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said that the scheme aims to ensure 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.”