No more free parking for essential workers in Cardiff council car parks

Alex Seabrook, local democracy reporter

Essential workers must now pay to park cars in Cardiff council-owned car parks as a pandemic offer ends.

NHS staff can still park for free but must now register digitally rather than rely on a paper permit.

The offer began in March last year at the start of the first lockdown, as a gesture from Cardiff council to support key workers.

But as lockdown restrictions are easing, the council has now retracted the offer — despite a third wave of coronavirus reportedly beginning in Wales.

A council spokesman said: “Since lockdown began in March 2020, the council had allowed a wider group of essential workers to park for free.

“Now that lockdown restrictions are easing, paper permits will no longer be accepted, and only NHS workers attending work can qualify for free parking.

“All other essential workers will have to pay to use car parks or pay-and-display bays.”

NHS staff

NHS staff can continue to park for free while working at the following car parks: Heath Park, Sophia Gardens, Wellington Street, Leckwith Road, Severn Road, Grey Street, and Harvey Street.

Staff must register for a digital permit through the council’s MiPermit parking app. Details of how to apply were given to NHS and public health managers to share with their staff.

The council will review the free parking scheme again at the end of next month.