Cardiff could become UK's first city to impose SUV parking premium after council approval

Motorists who drive sports utility vehicles (SUVs) or other large vehicles are set to be charged more to park in Cardiff, after changes to parking permits were approved by the council's cabinet. The city is set to be split into three new zones with resident permits in the city centre scrapped and students entitled to fewer permits. The lobby group, Clean Cities says it believes Cardiff is the first city in the UK to put the proposals about larger cars and SUVs to a cabinet vote. A meeting of Cardiff council's executive earlier approved its 10-year parking plan, including a proposal to charge heavier vehicles more for residential parking permits in future. Following the vote, a council spokesperson said the cost of any price increase for SUVs would "remain negligible in comparison to the purchase price of such vehicles". "Cabinet has approved the principle of an additional charge for residential parking permits for vehicles weighing over 2.4 tonnes. "These heavier vehicles typically produce more emissions, cause greater wear and tear on roads, and critically pose a significantly higher risk in the event of a road traffic collision." The cost of the permits would be decided at a later date, it added. Under the plans, new permits for carers and NHS workers would also be created. A surcharge would be introduced for motorists with "oversized and highly polluting vehicles", said the council. Drivers with cars weighing more than 2,400kg - SUVs - will pay more for a permit, and those with cars weighing more than 3,500kg will not be eligible. The plan is aimed at cutting congestion and encouraging people to walk, cycle or use public transport when travelling in and around the city. It is hoped the plan would also reduce air pollution. Drivers of diesel cars would have to pay a surcharge to encourage them to switch to less polluting vehicles. Resident permits in the city centre would be scrapped and existing permits would be phased out when the holder moves. Some residents and motorists in Cardiff have been divided over the plans. Peter North, who drives a van for work, said they would unfairly penalise tradespeople who rely on their vehicle. "They take up more space and that is fair enough, but why are they more dangerous? "[The council] need an argument to say something like that." He added that his van was essential for his livelihood. "I need this vehicle for my work. It is a necessity. I use this van for my tools. I can't be expected to take the bus everywhere." Nic Collins said he agreed cleaner streets were important, but felt the plan unfairly singled out certain drivers. "It is a bit unfair to target people for having a larger vehicle," he said. He added that the size of a car does not always reflect how polluting it is. "There a big cars that are hybrid, electric or economical, so I don't think it makes much sense." One Cardiff resident said she understood the idea, "I think it makes sense, it takes up more space on the road. "I understand where they are coming from, but you also should not be punished for having a larger vehicle if it is your job and you need a work van." But student Beca Hughes, 19, said: "I think a lot of people are reliant on permits, adding students may feel unsafe in the dark. "They might not be guaranteed that safety if they can't park right outside their house," she said. Joe Liston, 19, a sports coach and student is "not really a fan" of visitor permit allowances being halved for students. "I think it's a bit unfair really, I need my car for a job, I work in schools as well as being a student, one day I may be in Caerphilly the next in Newport," he said. "How do you expect me to do that without a car. "You can't quickly find a train, or I can't really afford to pay for a taxi, there's so many other people who do the same as me." Cardiff would be split into three zones - known as parking management areas: Managing director of KEW Planning consultancy, Kathryn Williams, said: "I think they need to have the infrastructure in place." She said people may not like the "double-whammy" of being charged more for their SUV, when they already pay more in car tax. "Is it going to be a deterrent? I think people will need to be extremely careful when they're coming into the city," she added. "I think there'll be concern from retailers and people with businesses in the city centre." But resident Thomas Chu says city centre parking needs to be reduced. He used to pay £120-a-month for a parking space for his flat. "It's not suitable for too many cars around here," he said, adding it would cut pollution as well. Under the new parking plan new permit types would be created: Cardiff council has said the new plan would "improve the quality of life for residents and visitors" and would "prioritises blue badge holders". After Thursday's vote, a spokesperson said: "The current cost of a residential parking permit for the first vehicle in Cardiff is £35 per year. "Even if this charge were doubled for vehicles over 2.4 tonnes, the cost would remain negligible in comparison to the purchase price of such vehicles. "Revenue generated from this charge will be used to help implement the new parking plan across the city. "Any surplus income would be ring-fenced for investment in other transport projects." Under the plans, motorcyclists are set to require a permit to park in resident bays. The council said there would be another consultation before the changes were introduced. Wales lock Teddy Williams suffers a serious foot injury playing for Cardiff against Connacht in the United Rugby Championship. Nature minister Mary Creagh says she is not convinced of the benefits of an inquiry into the issue. Ewell High Street's nitrogen dioxide emissions have been monitored since 2007. Cardiff number eight Taulupe Faletau has given Wales a boost before the autumn internationals by returning to face Dragons. The pilot starts as councillors in Wolverhampton approve a new plan to help its night-time economy.