Huge SUVs to Pay More for Parking Permits
Cardiff Council has cracked down on chunky cars, introducing a hefty parking surcharge on SUVs and other vehicles tipping the scales over 2,400kg. The new prices hit owners of models like Range Rovers, labelled “more polluting, more expensive and more dangerous” in an official report.
What’s Behind the Charge?
The council’s report blasts oversized SUVs as a menace to safety and the environment. It highlights concerns over higher carbon emissions, worse air quality, heavier traffic congestion, and increased road dangers due to these behemoths. Drivers with these gas-guzzling giants will now cough up extra to park, aiming to discourage the trend of large SUVs dominating UK streets.
Reaction: Politicians and Campaigners Clash
Conservative Senedd member Andrew RT Davies slammed the plans as an “SUV tax” and another way Labour is waging “war on motorists.” He added: “These anti-car proposals show how out of touch the political class are.”
A Reform UK Wales spokesperson echoed frustrations, slamming the policy for making life miserable for drivers and vowing to fight blanket 20mph limits and what they call Cardiff’s “war on motorists.”
Meanwhile, Clean Cities’ Oliver Lord praised Cardiff’s bold move, saying: “It’s only fair that those driving the biggest, heaviest and most polluting vehicles pay more for the extra space and danger they bring.” He welcomed the policy as “common sense” that could inspire other cities.
What’s Next for Cardiff’s Drivers?
Details on how much extra SUV owners will shell out haven’t been confirmed yet. For reference, a standard parking permit in Cardiff costs £35 annually for the first car and £90 for a second vehicle.
The new parking policy aims to slash congestion and improve air quality across the city. Cabinet member Dan De’Ath said parts of Cardiff are “absolutely saturated with cars,” with some blocking pavements and causing gridlock.
Cardiff’s SUV tax marks the first time a UK city has formally put big vehicle charges to a council vote — a sign that the SUV era might finally face a speed bump.