00:00Cardiff Council's revised plans to scale back free parking across the city
00:04have sparked criticism from traders and local politicians
00:07to say the compromise still doesn't go far enough.
00:11The council originally proposed scrapping free parking altogether at car parks
00:14in areas like Llandaf, Wichert, Rubina and Canton
00:17after a backlash that's been watered down
00:20with a new offer of 30 minutes free parking
00:22instead of the two hours many communities have long relied on.
00:26Business owners argue half an hour simply isn't enough time
00:29for shoppers, worshippers or patients visiting doctor surgeries and pharmacies
00:33so Haib Hussain who chairs the Cowbridge Road East Traders Association
00:37says two hours was perfect for high streets
00:39and worried customers will instead head to big retail parks
00:42where parking remains free.
00:44He points out that Friday prayers at local mosques, Sunday church services
00:48and even routine visits to a pharmacy or GP
00:50often take well over 30 minutes.
00:53Traders on Cowbridge Road East, one of the busiest routes in and out of the city centre
00:56say losing passing trade would hit them especially hard.
01:00In Llandaf, Conservative councillor Sean Driscoll agrees
01:03warning the change will damage local shops
01:05and discriminate against older residents
01:07who need more time for medical appointments and errands.
01:11His petition against the original plan
01:12had already gained more than 3,500 signatures.
01:15He also criticised the timing of the consultation
01:17which runs until the 4th of September
01:19saying holding it during school holidays
01:21will exclude many residents.
01:23Cardiff Council says his aim is to encourage more sustainable travel
01:27by walking and cycling
01:28while also introducing reduced Sunday charges
01:30wider season ticket options for longer stay car parks
01:33and increased fees for some longer stays.
01:36But with widespread concern among traders and residents alike
01:39the row of a free parking in Cardiff looks far from over.
01:42Here's Pete Watkins, reporting for Local TV.
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