Through private cars are to be banned in High street / St. Mary Street between the castle and Mill Lane in a year-long experiment starting late this summer. Buses, cycles, taxis will be allowed through as before; private motor vehicles may have access to the area, but may not use it as a through route.
The last meeting of the Cycling Development and Liaison Working Party gave some details of the plans, though more has been revealed in a letter from the council. Ideas for taking traffic off this road have been around for a long time and Cardiff Cycling Campaign has steadfastly said that this is a good idea, but cyclists must be allowed. That is, full pedestrianisation is not the answer. Happily, Cardiff County Council is not proposing this.
If the experiment is successful, plans will be drawn up to improve the environment of High Street and St. Mary’s Street. This will probably include widened footways and will be our chance to lobby for any specific facilities for cycles that are required.
We welcome the experimental ban on private motor traffic, which will help to make cyclists’ lot easier along this busy road. We wish the council success with the experiment.
Further information is available at an exhibition in The Old Library, THe Hayer, Cardiff on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th July between 10am and 5pm. Alternatively have a look at
www.cardiff.gov.uk/stmaryst
