Penarth people affected by Cardiff congestion charge idea

That’s the view of one local councillor after Cardiff Council announced it is considering introducing a congestion charge to the city.

Cllr Anthony Ernest, of Penarth’s Plymouth Ward, said the proposed congestion charge would cause real inconvenience for a “high percentage” of people who live in Penarth and work in the city.

When asked whether public transport could negate this cost, elderly resident Jeff Tree said he did not feel he can rely on public transport links between Penarth and Cardiff to get to and from the city.

Cardiff City Council is considering becoming the latest place to charge motorists to drive into the city centre saying the introduction of a congestion charge would be used to fund improvements to bus services, a new tram network and enhanced regional links.

Cardiff City Council the added charge would be used to fund improvements to bus services, a new tram network and enhanced regional links

Going to cause a real inconvenience for those who need to use their car for work

Cllr Ernest believes many people in Penarth will be affected by the charge, with the town so close to the city.

“A high percentage of people living in Penarth work in Cardiff and this is going to cause a real inconvenience for those who need to use their car for work,” said Cllr Ernst.

“If they are going to be charged as they enter and leave the city there is potential for a large amount of money being paid out each week.”

When asked whether it would affect people coming the other way – Cardiff to Penarth – Cllr Ernest said the congestion charge could adversely affect business in the town.

“If there was someone living in Cardiff who wanted to say, come to Penarth Pier for the day, but they had to go through a designated area where they’d have to pay, that would not be good for Penarth in terms of business and tourism.”

Penarth centre and Cardiff centre are just four miles apart

Just another barrier for me going into Cardiff.

Jeff Tree, who lives at Penarth Marina, said the congestion charge would be a barrier for him to get to the capital and did not feel public transport was sufficient to be relied upon for him to get to and from the city.

“Personally I still like to depend on driving,” said Mr Tree. “I’ve waited many years to see it (public transport) improve. The congestion charge is just another barrier for me going into Cardiff.”

Mr Tree went so far to say it was an “insane” idea and it will impact Cardiff as well as Penarth.

“It’s another insane decision, along with the 20mph speed limit,” he added. “Haven't they noticed the number of shops that are already closed in Cardiff?”

Opposition within Cardiff

The leader of the Liberal Democrats group at Cardiff Council, Cllr Rodney Berman, did not seem enthused by the idea, saying any decision made on the scheme needs to go through public consultation.

Cllr Berman said: “The council needs to demonstrate that any proposal for a congestion charge, or any other form of road user payment scheme, would bring clear benefits.”

Cardiff council leaders will consider a report on April 27 which aims to tackle air pollution, battle climate change and combat congestion.

Congestion charge in Cardiff – good or bad idea? Will it affect you? If so how? Send us your thoughts to harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.