There are three times as many permits as spaces in one Cathays street
A FREEDOM of information request has revealed that Cardiff Council oversells resident parking permits in Cathays by up to 300%.
On Rhymney Street the council has sold 201 parking permits despite there being only 63 resident bays. That’s 3.2 cars per space.
The problem is worsened by the fact the remaining parking spaces on Rhymney Street are unrestricted, meaning anyone can park there.
Paul Blake, 75, who lives on Rhymney Street, said: “It is an absolute misery living on Rhymney Street in 2021.
“When I take my wife to Velindre Cancer Centre for treatment I usually lose my parking space.
“This means I have to park on a neighbouring street and am guaranteed a fine for doing so.”
Mr Blake said: “I think the street should be 100% resident only.”
Other Cathays streets face similar problems. On Coburn Street the council have sold 164 parking permits for 92 resident bays. That’s 1.78 cars per space.
Overselling permits is just one of the factors causing parking problems.
“We are seeing commuter parking where non-residents park in Cathays and then walk in to work,” said Cathays councillor Chris Weaver.
“Before the pandemic, you could see cars cruising around Cathays at 8am looking for parking spaces.”
Commuters park in Cathays’ unrestricted bays and then walk to work to avoid extensive parking costs.
Annual season tickets for NCP car parks in Cardiff range between £1,116 to £1,685.
Another factor contributing to the parking crisis is the ever-increasing number of students living in Cathays.
Malcolm Davies, who has lived on Rhymney Street since 1971, witnessed the transformation of his street from a tight-knit community to a student area, causing this parking crisis.
Referring to the unrestricted bays in front of his house, Mr Davies said: “These three cars here haven’t been used for three weeks. The parking situation is ridiculous.”
Many landlords in Cathays convert their houses to maximise the number of students who can live there.
This increases the number of potential drivers in each house.
It also raises the question whether students should qualify for resident permits as they only live in their homes for roughly two thirds of the year, and don’t pay council tax.
Cathay’s parking problem is not just frustrating for locals, it can be dangerous.
Cars are being parked on junction corners blocking the view of oncoming traffic for drivers trying to emerge from the junction.
Coun Weaver said: “Incidences of dangerous parking need to be stopped.”
Police cars and vans often park on double yellow lines on the Rhymney Terrace/Richards Street junction, which is against highway code guidance.
Police vehicles can park on double yellows while carrying out their duties.
- The council is aware of the problem and changes are planned in Cathays for the new year. Next week The Cardiffian will explain those changes in full.
