Visitors will not be fined so long as they enter and exit via the same route
PLANS to fine non-residents for using Fishguard Road and Crystal Glen as a shortcut have received backlash in north Cardiff.
Read this, or watch the video below to find out more about the camera controversy.
Driver Craig Burris, 38, of Whitebarn Road said: “Can visitors, carers, taxis and delivery vans pass the camera? Where will the extra rush hour traffic go now? Won’t this create concentrated emissions in other areas?”
Here, Llanishen Councillor Tom Parkhill, MP Anna McMorrin and MS Julie Morgan respond to concerns ahead of the 18-month trial scheme.
Can visitors, carers, delivery vans, taxis and emergency services pass the camera without getting fined?
Coun Parkhill said: “There is full access available for all to enter Fishguard Road and Crystal Glen, so long as you don’t pass through the camera gate.”
This means if you live on Crystal Glen and have a visitor to stay, they must enter and leave via Heathwood Road.
Similarly, visitors to Fishguard Road must enter and leave via Ty Glas Road to avoid a fine.
Coun Parkill confirmed: “Delivery drivers will not be able to pass the camera without a fine.
“If we made an exemption for deliveries we wouldn’t be able to check if they were actually delivering, opening the system up to potential abuse, although by a much smaller number of vehicles than currently.”
On emergency services, Coun Parkhill said: “They will be allowed through. There will be no physical barriers and they will be similar to bus gates elsewhere in the city.”
Who qualifies for a permit, how can they get one, how many will be issued per household and how much the fine will be?
Coun Parkhill said: “All residents inside the no-access zone will get a permit. This includes residents of Fishguard Road, Crystal Glen and adjoining roads.”
“The council will send letters out to the households in the area and residents will have to apply for their permit,” said Coun Parkhill.
The number of permits per house is undecided, but Coun Parkhill said: “My preference is for three per household and I have communicated this to the council.”
The fine is currently unknown. “I am not certain, but I would be surprised if it differs to other areas in the city where camera enforcement takes place,” said Coun Parkhill.
Will the camera increase traffic on nearby Fidlas Road and Caerphilly Road?
Neil Ross, who grew up on Fidlas Road in the 70s and 80s, said: “I’ve witnessed Fidlas Road turn into a busy artery feeding Thornhill and Caerphilly, it’s become a death trap to try and cross.
“The camera allowing Fishguard Road private status just rubs salt in the wounds.
“There is no school on Fishguard Road, so I just don’t get it. They need to take some of the burden off Fidlas Road,” said Mr Ross.
Llanishen resident Sheila Smith agreed: “My concern is that traffic will be funnelled onto Fidlas Road and Caerphilly Road, both of which struggle with excessive traffic.”
Coun Parkhill said: “Through traffic is not allowed on the road, it is just impossible for the police to stand there all day, seven days a week to enforce the rule.
“With regards to increasing traffic elsewhere, I believe the issue lies in the council not spending enough on new road provision having only built 1km of new road since devolution.”
Why are bollards not put across the road, like at Kimberly Terrace?
Coun Parkhill replied: “Putting bollards along the road will block residents from entering and exiting the road.
“In this scheme, residents of Fishguard Road, Crystal Glen and adjoining roads can enter and exit from both Heathwood Road and Ty Glas Road.
“This will work like the bus gate scheme on Malvern Drive in Llanishen, which has worked successfully for the residents of the Ty Glas Estate.”
Coun Parkhill concluded: “The camera will be assessed after 18 months to see whether the scheme has been a success.
“As part of the assessment the council will also consider whether the no- right turn at the end of Crystal Glen is still needed.”
Anna McMorrin and Julie Morgan, MP and MS for Cardiff North respectively, emphasised the work they had done in securing the camera, including holding two street surgeries.
Julie Morgan said: “We will continue to work with residents to make sure that they are kept informed of developments and monitor the impact of the scheme once it comes into force.”
Anna McMorrin said: “I have contacted the Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport Caro Wild this week asking for more details on the scheme following queries from local residents.”
Councillor Caro Wild has been approached for comment.
