Residents say no to parking plan

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People living in the Canton area of Cardiff have voted overwhelmingly against plans for a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in a local referendum.

Residents voted by nearly 12 to one against new parking restrictions and paid-for parking permits for residents.

Cardiff council said it would "reflect carefully on the issues" and start to "investigate other options".

Campaigners were "delighted" with the 31.5% turnout and said that the council would have to "sit up and take note".

Council leaders backed the CPZ plans for parts of the city last month, saying it would improve parking provision.

But opponents, who believe it was being brought in for revenue generation, voted to hold a referendum

A total of 3,259 turned out to vote - 31.5% of the local electorate - when polling stations opened at 1600 GMT on Friday.

People living in the area voted on the question: "Do you want a controlled parking zone in Canton?"

A council spokesman said after 3,002 people voted against: ""We will reflect carefully on the issues in the light of the results and will take a view that is informed by a range of factors and what is best for sustainable transport in Cardiff."

He added: "To make a start the council will begin investigating other options and a meeting has been organised with the local Canton councillors for early next week."

The council says it will improve parking provision

Canton Residents Action Committee (Crac) member Jane O'Toole said: "The result of 92.5% of the electorate against controlled parking zones shows overwhelming opposition to the plans."

She added that the council did not have to implement it.

"It's not binding but with the..elections coming up in May, they ignore us at their peril. The Lib Dems now need to sit up and take note."

The overall scheme would see new parking restrictions introduced in several Cardiff districts, which also include Cathays, Gabalfa, Riverside, Roath and Cardiff Bay.

Strong opposition

Measures will include the introduction of pay-and-display parking and paid-for permits for residents.

The council introduced the proposals because it said many householders and businesses have difficulty finding parking space on the streets.

It said parking was likely to become more difficult with the rapid growth of Cardiff as a city.

In June last year, it was announced that a consultation exercise in the six areas affected had produced a two-to-one majority in favour of the scheme from 4,500 people who took part.

But there has been strong opposition to the scheme in Canton, with some residents and businesses claiming the plans were a "stealth tax" which would not improve parking issues.

Cardiff Council's executive has voted to go ahead with the scheme, which is expected to be implemented in November 2008.

The council's Liberal Democrat leader Rodney Berman has rejected an appeal from opposition leaders to delay the scheme.

Work is scheduled to start in summer 2007 and the scheme implemented in November 2008.