By NOOR QURASHI, NEWS REPORTER and SAM LAWLEY, NEWS REPORTER
Drivers with larger cars face a hike in the cost of parking outside their own homes.
Labour council chiefs in Cardiff have pushed through plans to impose higher fees for motorists with sports utility vehicles such as Land Rovers.
The proposal was passed at a meeting of the council's executive Thursday and will also scrap resident permits in the city centre and reduce the number of permits handed to students.
A council spokesperson said the cost of any increase for the heavier cars, including sports utility vehicles (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 policy follows the country's controversial implementation of a default 20mph speed limit.
Former Welsh Conservative leader Andrew RT Davies said the council was 'unduly penalising' people who drive larger vehicles.
It comes as drivers in Paignton previously vented their anger at being hit with parking fines for 'overhanging' cars (pictured)
Permits in Cardiff currently cost £35 for one car annually and £90 for the second - but could double for larger cars.
This includes SUVs beloved by families along with larger vehicles with 4x4 capabilities to handle rugged terrain.
The exact cost of the increased permits has not been decided yet.
But it has been confirmed that SUVs weighing more than 2,400kg will pay more for permits, while those with cars weighing more than 3,500kg will not be eligible.
New permits will also be created for carers and NHS workers as part of the new plans.
Mr Davies said: 'I don't believe it is right that people are going to be penalised unduly with a heavy tax on the vehicle they drive because of the conditions they live in.'
After announcing the plans back in December, Cardiff council are expected to rubber stamp the new charges today - a package of measures aimed at reducing congestion, improving air quality, and restricting commuter parking in residential areas.
Cardiff council's cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning, and transport, Cllr Dan De'Ath, said: 'Our new city parking plan is a vital step towards a stronger, fairer, greener, and more accessible future.
'By listening to residents and businesses we're ensuring that our streets work for everyone - supporting local communities, tackling congestion, and helping us meet our climate goals.
'This plan is about making Cardiff a better place to live, work, and visit for years to come.
'But we recognise that parking is a finite resource and that difficult choices must be made to balance the needs of residents, businesses, visitors, and vulnerable groups.'
Visitors who paid to park on the seafront claimed they had been slapped with costly penalties because their vehicles didn't fit inside the markings
Gift shop owner Peter Hall, 62, from Llandaff, said: 'They've hit the inheritance tax and the national insurance and now the motorist has got the hit.'
He said larger vehicles are being taxed because owners are perceived to have more money and will 'accept it more'.
Mr Hall said he drives a SUV Volvo XC90 which he bought second hand as it suits his family life.
He added: 'Parking generally is an absolute nightmare in Cardiff, but every city is.
'I've just got to accept they're coming for me.'
He said he would pay if asked and he thought other SUV drivers would too.
Emma Park, 51, questioned whether the tax would apply to older SUVs and said people often had reasons for having bigger cars.
Ms Park said: 'I get that some people buy these large cars because they're a bit of a status symbol but to make a sweeping generalisation that everyone who has one can afford to pay more for parking isn't fair.'
Driver Stacey Chaplin, 54, argued the rule 'makes no sense'.
'Sometimes people buy the SUV because it's the cheaper vehicle,' she said.
Andrew RT Davies, Conservative Member of the Senedd for South Wales Central and former Welsh party leader, said the proposals amounted to an 'SUV tax'.
He added: 'This is Labour's latest crusade in their war on motorists, following hot on the heels of the 20mph policy.
'So-called progressive activists may think we can cycle everywhere but that isn't the reality for those of us who live outside metropolitan centres.
'These latest anti-car proposals show how out of touch the political class are.'
