Cardiff Students Concerned Over Proposed Parking Changes
Cardiff Council is considering significant changes to parking regulations in the city, which could have a major impact on the student population. The proposed overhaul aims to address the number of cars in the city centre and reduce the parking permits for “student-only” properties. This move has sparked concerns among Cardiff University students and the Students’ Union, who are labelling it as a “ban on student parking.”
Medical and healthcare students, in particular, are worried about the implications of these proposals. Many students rely on their cars to travel to placements across Wales, which are essential for their courses. Pav Zigova, a fourth-year medical student, expressed her fears about not being able to attend placements without her car, highlighting the impracticalities of public transport for reaching certain locations.
Similarly, Oli Silgram, a fifth-year medical student, underlined the importance of having a car for placements in areas not easily accessible by public transport. He emphasised the challenges students face in fulfilling their course requirements without adequate transportation. The Student Union President, Madison Hutchinson, echoed these concerns, noting the impact on students with additional needs, caring responsibilities, or part-time jobs that require access to a car.
The proposed changes have raised questions about fairness and safety, particularly in student-dense areas like Cathays. Students argue that they should not be singled out and penalised for their mode of transport, especially when it is essential for various aspects of their daily lives. The Students’ Union is urging Cardiff Council to reconsider the ban on student parking, highlighting the negative repercussions it could have on student life and wellbeing.
Shola Bold, the Vice President for Health Park at the student union, emphasised the vital role cars play for medical and healthcare students who often work night shifts or late hours. Shola stressed the added stress and impracticality of trying to reach placements without a car. Cardiff Council has acknowledged the concerns raised by students and is actively engaging with student bodies to ensure their voices are heard in the consultation process.
In response to the growing outcry, a Cardiff Council spokesperson reassured students that any parking restrictions would not come into effect until at least Autumn 2026, allowing time for alternative arrangements to be made. The council is keen to encourage active and sustainable travel within the city, but students are advocating for a more nuanced approach that takes into account the unique needs and challenges they face.
As the public consultation continues, students are mobilising to make their voices heard and push for a fairer resolution to the parking proposals. With students forming a significant portion of respondents to the consultation, the council is under pressure to consider the implications of the changes on student life and education. The future of parking in Cardiff hangs in the balance as students fight to protect their access to essential transportation.