Cardiff Council- Stop Penalizing Cardiff Devils Fans for Parking
The Issue
1. Petition addressed to Cardiff Council’s Enforcement and Highways Team and those responsible for parking facilities in and around the Vindico Arena, Cardiff Bay
2. Introduction:
2.1 The Cardiff Devils were founded in 1986 and are a Welsh professional ice hockey team who play in the UK-based Elite Ice Hockey League. Known for their vibrant community and dedicated fanbase, the team plays at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay, currently known as Vindico Arena. With a seating capacity of 3,105, a significant number of these seats are held by season ticket holders who have made a commitment to support their beloved team throughout the hockey season, which spans approximately 8 out of 12 months each year.
2.2 When the arena moved to its 'temporary' location in Cardiff bay, parking was free at the time. From this built an expectation for free parking. Cardiff Devil’s fans are aware (for those who have been long time supporters) that this was the case but are frustrated over the changes and lack of clarity on the parking situation.
2.3 The Vindico was purchased for ownership in 2023 by Cardiff Council. Since then, there doesn't appear to be any clarity or confirmation, (including any statement from Cardiff Council) for this season advising of their plans around parking? The Devil’s fans have been asking for years for updates on the car park behind the Vindico during Q&A sessions for season ticket holders, as well as people directly contacting the directors of Cardiff Devils),who have to date, been unable to answer people’s queries directly as the Council have not been forthcoming in their plans or updates. This has caused a lot of frustration amongst Devil’s fans.
2.4 Fans of the Cardiff Devils are not just locals; they include tourists, passionate sports enthusiasts, and casual visitors who contribute to the vitality of Cardiff Bay on game days. Despite this dedication and the economic benefits brought by the influx of visitors, fans are unfairly penalized with parking challenges that discourage attendance and tarnish the game-day experience.
2.5 The most recent games on the weekend of August 16th and 17th 2025 saw what can only be described as an abysmal effort to prevent Cardiff Devil's fans from accessing parking facilities nearby the area. I myself, witnessed a man who was assaulted by a member of enforcement stewarding staff on Sunday, where the steward pushed himself into a man who was attempting to get towards the nearby properties. He stated that he wasn't even asked where he was going and was told 'No' by the staff. Who then preceded to kick and throw cones towards the man. This is completely unacceptable behaviour. (This was filmed by the man who was assaulted- unfortunately I do not know the man or his name).
2.6 Parking in the area has become increasingly difficult and expensive (TO SOME PEOPLE) (charging £5 per game), creating a barrier for fans who wish to attend games frequently. This issue is exacerbated by a lack of adequate parking facilities in proximity to the arena, forcing fans to either pay exorbitant fees or navigate public transport with young families in tow. For those with disabled badges, they have been forced to park in the Toys R Us car park-or the nearby Morrisons supermarket, making the distance to the main entrance even further, causing alarm and distress because stewards REFUSED them access to the parking in the International Pool disabled parking spaces.
2.7 Also, there is little to no lighting outside of the arena and this is extremely dangerous once fans are leaving a game on match nights. There are lamp posts directly outside the arena on the footpaths leading to the Toys R Us car park and around the international pool, yet they are never lit up. Some people have indicated that there have been falls due to the lack of light- so this needs to be addressed urgently!
We are calling on Cardiff Council and Cardiff Bay authorities, to address this issue urgently.
2.8 The impact this issue is having is far more than frustration. It is causing chaos and dismay amongst fans, visitors and locals. It also causes extreme levels of distress for those who have learning difficulties, disabilities and conditions such as anxiety disorder (which I suffer with myself). I have witnessed people struggling with their young children, who are having meltdowns and episodes. As well as people becoming so distressed they are leaving and not attending games.
2.9 I was made aware that it was reported that Devil’s fans were allegedly parking in the nearby streets, using ‘visitor’ parking spaces, as well as ‘parking illegally’ nearby the yacht club and other facilities nearby. I cannot confirm this or speak on behalf of these accusations other than to say that if this is the case or has been the case, then it clearly points out that there is not enough parking for Devil’s fans and visitors. Yet there is the huge space that is empty and not being used and this would alleviate these things potentially happening.
2.11 Surrounding the Vindico is hundreds of parking spaces. The Cardiff Devils website indicates that there are nearly 300 parking spaces available in the adjacent Toys R Us car park.
2.12 My guess is that the unused space behind the Vindico could offer approximately triple what the Toys R Us car park provides. If this was open and of use for fans and visitor’s to park- this would be extremely helpful, as it was previously before it was cordoned off.
3. Solution:
We, the undersigned, request that Cardiff Council implement a safe and available parking facility for Cardiff Devil’s fans and visitors on match game nights, that is free of charge or at a reduced rate of a maximum of £2 per car. Additionally requesting:
3.1 To be able to attend a match night and be able to park safely and as nearby the Vindico arena. as practicably possible.
3.2 To not be charged on game nights for parking, until the Council take responsibility and action and clarify their status in relation to charges for parking- providing sufficient notice for the remainder of the hockey season and foreseeable future.
3.3 To not penalise fan’s and visitors and allow those with disabled badges to park as close as possible to the Vindico arena; including the disabled spaces in the pool parking spaces.
3.4 To have clear notice IN ADVANCE of ANY road closures (at least one month’s written notice) when displaying prohibition notices in the vicinity, and not to put them up ON THE DAY of imposed changes.
3.5 To have polite enforcement staff who are supportive, empathic and compassionate and to not be rude, abusive or unfriendly.
All of these requests are reasonable, realistic and achievable.
The action should be taken by Cardiff Council’s Enforcement department and highways department.
Cardiff Council have their own ‘parking strategy 2016 ’ which outlines numerous points about how they plan to ensure the following points:
Cardiff is Clean and Sustainable – making sure that parking does not negatively impact on the city and the people who live, work and visit here.
Cardiff has a Prosperous Economy – ensuring that the economy is positively supported by employing a rational approach to managing parking resources which balances accessibility requirements with the need to manage demand.
Cardiff is Fair, Just and Inclusive ‐ ensuring that everyone, especially those with mobility difficulties and disabilities can confidently use the city to live their lives.
People in Cardiff are Safe and Feel Safe – making sure that people are safe and feel safe in the city.
For those who wish to read further- follow this link: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Parking-roads-and-travel/parking/Parking-Strategy/Documents/Parking%20Strategy%20September%202016.pdf
There is also a parking policy in place: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Parking-roads-and-travel/parking/Parking-Strategy/Documents/Parking%20Policies%20September%202016.pdf
Based on the Cardiff Council’s parking strategy, we feel that Cardiff Council are in breach of their own policy and strategy as outlined below:
A) Parking is not sustainable and it is negatively impacting those who visit the Vindico on match nights.
B) The economy is impacted when people are being forced to park elsewhere, or spend money when they either shouldn’t have to, or if they have little income themselves to pay to park. It also is not considering accessibility options and Cardiff Council are not making reasonable adjustments according to the Equality Act 2010. Cardiff Council are not managing demand.
C) Those with those with mobility difficulties and disabilities cannot confidently use the city to live their lives.
D) People do not feel safe!
4. Call to Action:
4.1 We urge the council to arrange a clear and concise plan via a meeting in person, for parking this season with a matter of urgency. Informing the Vindico Arena and Cardiff International Pool and Gym of the updated plans regarding access, potential charges and permittance with specified spaces for parking.
4.2 To allow fans to use the unused space next to and surrounding the Vindico arena.
4.3 To reduce the charges for parking in the Toys R Us carpark to a maximum of £2 per car OR offer it for FREE to Devil’s fans on match nights, just as it is free for other events or when Devil’s fans are attending the Vindico for ice skating sessions/parties etc.
4.4 To allow Devil’s fans to park in the ‘pool parking’ spaces on match nights, or allow Devil’s fans with disabled badges to park in the ‘pool parking’ spaces.
5. Personal Connection:
5.1 Being a disabled badge holder myself, as well as a Cardiff Devil’s season ticket holder, I am requesting these changes to ensure that once and for all this issue is dealt with accordingly and fairly. Every time I plan to attend a match night, I have to leave and arrive 2 to 3 hours prior to the game to ensure I am able to find a parking space with my disabled badge. If I can’t find a space, I will have panic attacks. I cannot deal with this for every single game!
We are one family with one car. There are thousands of people attending match nights, and this impact is far wider than just me and my family. The entire Devil’s community are impacted, annoyed and frustrated.
It has caused genuine distress and concern for so many people. Every single game people are complaining to each other, demanding change. Making formal complaints to the Vindico and to the directors of the Devil’s. It has to stop! There has been no clarification for a long time now, no accountability or responsibility for any actions. No answers or explanations! Why?
We would simply like a meeting, to come to an agreement and be clear about parking on a Cardiff Devil’s match night.
We welcome your response as a matter of urgency,
Regards,
Stacey Falconer on behalf of Cardiff Devil’s fans
Date: 22nd August 2025
602
The Issue
1. Petition addressed to Cardiff Council’s Enforcement and Highways Team and those responsible for parking facilities in and around the Vindico Arena, Cardiff Bay
2. Introduction:
2.1 The Cardiff Devils were founded in 1986 and are a Welsh professional ice hockey team who play in the UK-based Elite Ice Hockey League. Known for their vibrant community and dedicated fanbase, the team plays at Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff Bay, currently known as Vindico Arena. With a seating capacity of 3,105, a significant number of these seats are held by season ticket holders who have made a commitment to support their beloved team throughout the hockey season, which spans approximately 8 out of 12 months each year.
2.2 When the arena moved to its 'temporary' location in Cardiff bay, parking was free at the time. From this built an expectation for free parking. Cardiff Devil’s fans are aware (for those who have been long time supporters) that this was the case but are frustrated over the changes and lack of clarity on the parking situation.
2.3 The Vindico was purchased for ownership in 2023 by Cardiff Council. Since then, there doesn't appear to be any clarity or confirmation, (including any statement from Cardiff Council) for this season advising of their plans around parking? The Devil’s fans have been asking for years for updates on the car park behind the Vindico during Q&A sessions for season ticket holders, as well as people directly contacting the directors of Cardiff Devils),who have to date, been unable to answer people’s queries directly as the Council have not been forthcoming in their plans or updates. This has caused a lot of frustration amongst Devil’s fans.
2.4 Fans of the Cardiff Devils are not just locals; they include tourists, passionate sports enthusiasts, and casual visitors who contribute to the vitality of Cardiff Bay on game days. Despite this dedication and the economic benefits brought by the influx of visitors, fans are unfairly penalized with parking challenges that discourage attendance and tarnish the game-day experience.
2.5 The most recent games on the weekend of August 16th and 17th 2025 saw what can only be described as an abysmal effort to prevent Cardiff Devil's fans from accessing parking facilities nearby the area. I myself, witnessed a man who was assaulted by a member of enforcement stewarding staff on Sunday, where the steward pushed himself into a man who was attempting to get towards the nearby properties. He stated that he wasn't even asked where he was going and was told 'No' by the staff. Who then preceded to kick and throw cones towards the man. This is completely unacceptable behaviour. (This was filmed by the man who was assaulted- unfortunately I do not know the man or his name).
2.6 Parking in the area has become increasingly difficult and expensive (TO SOME PEOPLE) (charging £5 per game), creating a barrier for fans who wish to attend games frequently. This issue is exacerbated by a lack of adequate parking facilities in proximity to the arena, forcing fans to either pay exorbitant fees or navigate public transport with young families in tow. For those with disabled badges, they have been forced to park in the Toys R Us car park-or the nearby Morrisons supermarket, making the distance to the main entrance even further, causing alarm and distress because stewards REFUSED them access to the parking in the International Pool disabled parking spaces.
2.7 Also, there is little to no lighting outside of the arena and this is extremely dangerous once fans are leaving a game on match nights. There are lamp posts directly outside the arena on the footpaths leading to the Toys R Us car park and around the international pool, yet they are never lit up. Some people have indicated that there have been falls due to the lack of light- so this needs to be addressed urgently!
We are calling on Cardiff Council and Cardiff Bay authorities, to address this issue urgently.
2.8 The impact this issue is having is far more than frustration. It is causing chaos and dismay amongst fans, visitors and locals. It also causes extreme levels of distress for those who have learning difficulties, disabilities and conditions such as anxiety disorder (which I suffer with myself). I have witnessed people struggling with their young children, who are having meltdowns and episodes. As well as people becoming so distressed they are leaving and not attending games.
2.9 I was made aware that it was reported that Devil’s fans were allegedly parking in the nearby streets, using ‘visitor’ parking spaces, as well as ‘parking illegally’ nearby the yacht club and other facilities nearby. I cannot confirm this or speak on behalf of these accusations other than to say that if this is the case or has been the case, then it clearly points out that there is not enough parking for Devil’s fans and visitors. Yet there is the huge space that is empty and not being used and this would alleviate these things potentially happening.
2.11 Surrounding the Vindico is hundreds of parking spaces. The Cardiff Devils website indicates that there are nearly 300 parking spaces available in the adjacent Toys R Us car park.
2.12 My guess is that the unused space behind the Vindico could offer approximately triple what the Toys R Us car park provides. If this was open and of use for fans and visitor’s to park- this would be extremely helpful, as it was previously before it was cordoned off.
3. Solution:
We, the undersigned, request that Cardiff Council implement a safe and available parking facility for Cardiff Devil’s fans and visitors on match game nights, that is free of charge or at a reduced rate of a maximum of £2 per car. Additionally requesting:
3.1 To be able to attend a match night and be able to park safely and as nearby the Vindico arena. as practicably possible.
3.2 To not be charged on game nights for parking, until the Council take responsibility and action and clarify their status in relation to charges for parking- providing sufficient notice for the remainder of the hockey season and foreseeable future.
3.3 To not penalise fan’s and visitors and allow those with disabled badges to park as close as possible to the Vindico arena; including the disabled spaces in the pool parking spaces.
3.4 To have clear notice IN ADVANCE of ANY road closures (at least one month’s written notice) when displaying prohibition notices in the vicinity, and not to put them up ON THE DAY of imposed changes.
3.5 To have polite enforcement staff who are supportive, empathic and compassionate and to not be rude, abusive or unfriendly.
All of these requests are reasonable, realistic and achievable.
The action should be taken by Cardiff Council’s Enforcement department and highways department.
Cardiff Council have their own ‘parking strategy 2016 ’ which outlines numerous points about how they plan to ensure the following points:
Cardiff is Clean and Sustainable – making sure that parking does not negatively impact on the city and the people who live, work and visit here.
Cardiff has a Prosperous Economy – ensuring that the economy is positively supported by employing a rational approach to managing parking resources which balances accessibility requirements with the need to manage demand.
Cardiff is Fair, Just and Inclusive ‐ ensuring that everyone, especially those with mobility difficulties and disabilities can confidently use the city to live their lives.
People in Cardiff are Safe and Feel Safe – making sure that people are safe and feel safe in the city.
For those who wish to read further- follow this link: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Parking-roads-and-travel/parking/Parking-Strategy/Documents/Parking%20Strategy%20September%202016.pdf
There is also a parking policy in place: https://www.cardiff.gov.uk/ENG/resident/Parking-roads-and-travel/parking/Parking-Strategy/Documents/Parking%20Policies%20September%202016.pdf
Based on the Cardiff Council’s parking strategy, we feel that Cardiff Council are in breach of their own policy and strategy as outlined below:
A) Parking is not sustainable and it is negatively impacting those who visit the Vindico on match nights.
B) The economy is impacted when people are being forced to park elsewhere, or spend money when they either shouldn’t have to, or if they have little income themselves to pay to park. It also is not considering accessibility options and Cardiff Council are not making reasonable adjustments according to the Equality Act 2010. Cardiff Council are not managing demand.
C) Those with those with mobility difficulties and disabilities cannot confidently use the city to live their lives.
D) People do not feel safe!
4. Call to Action:
4.1 We urge the council to arrange a clear and concise plan via a meeting in person, for parking this season with a matter of urgency. Informing the Vindico Arena and Cardiff International Pool and Gym of the updated plans regarding access, potential charges and permittance with specified spaces for parking.
4.2 To allow fans to use the unused space next to and surrounding the Vindico arena.
4.3 To reduce the charges for parking in the Toys R Us carpark to a maximum of £2 per car OR offer it for FREE to Devil’s fans on match nights, just as it is free for other events or when Devil’s fans are attending the Vindico for ice skating sessions/parties etc.
4.4 To allow Devil’s fans to park in the ‘pool parking’ spaces on match nights, or allow Devil’s fans with disabled badges to park in the ‘pool parking’ spaces.
5. Personal Connection:
5.1 Being a disabled badge holder myself, as well as a Cardiff Devil’s season ticket holder, I am requesting these changes to ensure that once and for all this issue is dealt with accordingly and fairly. Every time I plan to attend a match night, I have to leave and arrive 2 to 3 hours prior to the game to ensure I am able to find a parking space with my disabled badge. If I can’t find a space, I will have panic attacks. I cannot deal with this for every single game!
We are one family with one car. There are thousands of people attending match nights, and this impact is far wider than just me and my family. The entire Devil’s community are impacted, annoyed and frustrated.
It has caused genuine distress and concern for so many people. Every single game people are complaining to each other, demanding change. Making formal complaints to the Vindico and to the directors of the Devil’s. It has to stop! There has been no clarification for a long time now, no accountability or responsibility for any actions. No answers or explanations! Why?
We would simply like a meeting, to come to an agreement and be clear about parking on a Cardiff Devil’s match night.
We welcome your response as a matter of urgency,
Regards,
Stacey Falconer on behalf of Cardiff Devil’s fans
Date: 22nd August 2025
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Petition created on 18 August 2025