The shopkeepers I’ve spoken to say: The fear is these plans to remove two-hour free parking, will push shoppers away from our independent shops, to out of town large retailers, where parking is free. Some argue removing free parking will encourage more car use, not less, adding more traffic, more congestion, leading to poorer air quality.

Small businesses are the backbone of the economy and employ a lot of people. We should be doing all we can as a council to support them and not introduce parking charges that could be to the detriment of our High Street Businesses.

Some businesses are already operating on a knife edge and the shopkeepers and retailers I’ve spoken to, are really concerned about the future of their businesses. As a former shopkeeper and Coffee shop owner, I know how that pressure feels.

And following the decision by Welsh Government to cut the Business Rate relief scheme from 75% to 40% High Street traders along with pubs cafes and restaurants, will see their business rates double, adding additional burden.

The Removal of 2-hour free parking will not just impact traders on the High Street. My fear is this policy will massively impact patients who need to visit Llandaff doctor’s surgery and the pharmacy. Especially the older community.

Another consideration is the congregation, visitors to Llandaff Cathedral who have events and services not just on Sundays. Also, the many volunteer groups that support the community throughout the week. If people decide to stay at home rather than go out, this parking policy could impact them, leading to loneliness and isolation for these groups. 

With parking in Llandaff already difficult for residents, introducing this proposal will push people to park on residential streets. Residents will then want residential parking bays that will tip the balance.

I understand the need to raise more funds, but it should not be to the risk of our small High Street Businesses.

As a council, we need to have debate around how we improve the position at a cost we can afford. In a way that does not impact in a negative way on the economic vitality of the High Street.

We should not be dealing with this problem in isolation. We need to be talking to businesses, Llandaff Surgery,residents, the schools and Llandaff Cathedral on how best we deal with this.

But removal of free parking is not it!

Sean Driscoll

Councillor for Llandaff.