Cardiff’s Labour council is facing a furious backlash over proposals to slap SUV drivers with a ‘Land Rover tax’ that would force them to pay more for parking.
Similar policies have already been introduced in several major European cities, including Paris, where parking rates for SUV owners have tripled in recent times.
Labeled the ‘Land Rover tax’, the new two-tiered charges would in reality impact a host of other brands too such as Kia, Hyundai and Volvo.
Described as ‘an attack on motorists’, the move would see vehicles weighing over 2.4 tonnes pay more for parking permits, with the Labour-run council arguing they take up more space.
‘Parking spaces across the city are limited and can cause tension between commuters, residents, businesses and other road users,’ the council said. ‘Our new approach attempts to reduce these issues’.
The council added that these charges would aid in prioritising parking for blue badge holders and residents by encouraging vehicle turnover and increased use of public transport, alongside a general reduction in congestion levels.
The proposed scheme comes after a new default speed limit of 20mph was imposed on Cardiff streets by the Welsh government, following in the footsteps of London and other major English cities.
Cardiff’s Labour Council have faced a torrent of criticism after it was revealed that they are proposing the introduction of a ‘Land Rover tax’
Cardiff Council have defended the move, stating that by changing parking permits to reflect vehicle size would allow for better and more efficient management of spaces
Reacting to Cardiff Council’s permit plans, local Propel Councillor Neil McEvoy blasted what he sees as being an unjustified fee increase which will disproportionately impact working class communities.
‘The wealthy woke Labourites here like taxes, because they can afford to pay them from their large public sector salaries. The money raised funds Wales’ new parasite class connected to devolution’, Councillor McEvoy stated to the MailOnline.
‘The attacks on drivers in Cardiff are severe. Working class areas like Splott see unused cycle lanes empty and lines of traffic spewing out more pollution caused by traffic jams by design.
‘Blocked roads also mean we have to drive miles out of our way. Good luck also if you want to take public transport’, the Councillor added.
Also included in Cardiff Council’s proposals is the possibility that properties constructed after September 2024 would not be able to apply for any parking permits in newly drawn up zones.
Additionally, trucks weighing in excess of 3.5 tonnes would be banned from a number of areas in Cardiff City Centre altogether.
These Paris-styled parking policies have previously been praised by a number of leading Labour politicians, including London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
‘I’m a firm believer in stealing good policies’, Khan said earlier this year as he branded the French capital’s scheme as ‘innovative’.
Similar initiatives have already been introduced by some London councils such as Haringey and Lambeth, which are both set to up charges for larger vehicles.
Paris is one of a number of major European cities which have seen rates for larger vehicles increase- SUV drivers parking charges have now tripled in the French capital
A number of leading Labour politicians have backed the introduction of increased charges for larger vehicles, with London mayor Sadiq Khan earlier this year referring to them as ‘innovative’
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband is another Labour politician who has previously spoken of his desire to reach net zero on British roads and phase out larger fossil fuel-powered cars
Conservative Party Councillor Calum Davies is another local representative who has pushed back against Cardiff Council’s ‘anti-car agenda’.
‘We’ve already had a default 20mph speed limit imposed across Wales and cycle lanes installed in Cardiff creating congestion for buses and drivers, which is bad enough’, Councillor Davies told the MailOnline.
‘Now Cardiff Council is determined to strike another blow with this tax. This is on top of a potential congestion charge and a new parking strategy that harms small businesses and discriminates against students.
‘The simple truth is Labour wants to control, tax, and punish drivers, imposing a moral value on you for daring to have a car’, the Tory Councillor added.
The RAC Foundation have also expressed their concern over the potential impact of Cardiff Council’s parking plans on local businesses, with its director Steve Gooding telling the MailOnline: ‘It is understandable that the council wants to recognise residents’ desire to park near their homes, but if they also want to encourage a thriving and vibrant city centre with successful entertainment and commercial activity then access for occasional visitors is also important.
‘Charging a premium that penalises larger cars, potentially including electric vehicles, might be just enough to persuade people to take their custom elsewhere’.
When contacted in relation to the backlash which Cardiff Council’s parking plans have received, a Council spokesperson said: ‘The council encourages everyone that lives, works or studies in Cardiff to take part in the parking consultation.
‘The Council has set our transport vision for the city through the Transport White Paper. In this document, it clearly states the council will ‘Introduce a comprehensive approach to parking across the city, including addressing unmanaged street parking in areas where local residents are regularly inconvenienced.
‘The consultation explores a variety of ways this could be achieved, in the form of various zones and permits to achieve our aims, which is to look at ways in which we can better promote active and sustainable travel within the city. No decisions have yet been made and we urge everyone to take part in the consultation, so their voice is heard. The consultation ends on December 1st.’