A recent report from Inrix, one of the world’s leading traffic agencies, has analysed traffic and congestion in over 1000 cities worldwide - the largest study of its kind ever undertaken.
Researchers concluded that traffic congestion has a bigger negative impact on businesses in Cardiff than in any other UK city.
It also reported that:
· Daytime congestion occurs in Cardiff 15% of the time.
· Drivers spend an average of 32 hours a year stuck in jams at peak periods.
This report arrives at a time when the 2017/19 Corporate Plan highlights predictions of future population increases of up to 26%, the highest of any city in the UK and at a time when the city’s pollution levels are causing serious health concerns.
Council calls on the next council administration to challenge the WG population projections for Cardiff. This will be necessary in the context of the country’s imminent departure from the EU and potential release from the constraints of its open border policies. A fresh assessment of predicted population growth by professionals would take into account these new and important factors.
It further calls for a reconsideration of the housing projections which result from these population predictions. Any adjustment in predictions of population growth should be reflected in the city’s plans to allocate green field land for development. It will also clearly have an impact on vehicle use, pollution and pressure on our roads.
Finally, Council rejects any proposal to introduce congestion charging in the city. Such a policy would impact negatively on the city’s prosperity and deter inward investment at a time when the City Deal will be seeking to encourage wealth creation and employment growth throughout South Wales.
Proposed by: Councillor David Walker
Seconded by: Councillor Dianne Rees.