M4 Widening Folly

Cardiff M4 widening start

Unecessary - a new bottle neck! A separate cycle lane would have been more useful and cheaper! Many homes will be affected by the increase in noise and pollution!

Work will start at the end of May on the M4 motorway widening scheme from junction 29 Castleton to junction 32 Coryton, north of Cardiff.
Contractor Alfred McAlpine Project Services will be widening this 13.5km (eight mile) section of existing dual two-lane motorway to dual three-lane motorway.The M4 Widening scheme starting at the end of May 2007 is expected to be complete by December 2009, and will significantly ease congestion particularly at peak periods.Further information can be obtained from the M4 Widening Public Liaison facilities:Tel: 07805 619615 E-mail: M4liaison@alfredmcalpineplc.com or visit the M4 web page http://www.m4widening29to32.com

More injury on the road - next child going to get killed

The Echo reports that 10-year-old son Jonathan Sullivan’s lower left leg was broken by a car in Grand Avenue, Ely, Cardiff. The keen footballer, now has pins in his leg and a leg brace for the next six weeks.

I agree with his mum who said “It’s a big road and there are not enough pedestrian crossings. There are no speed cameras or speed bumps. The next child is going to get killed.”

Murder by Car -new feature

A new feature to highlight DEATH and injury on our roads. How many more people have to die before pedestrian rights are put before vechicles and crossing provided?

Man, 38, fights for his life after being hit by car
May 21 2007 by Laura Wright, South Wales Echo

A PEDESTRIAN is fighting for his life after a collision with a car on a busy city road.The 38-year-old was crossing the Gabalfa Interchange, Cardiff, when he was hit by a Ford Mondeo.

The man, from Canton, Cardiff, is in a critical condition at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. The crash happened just after 9.30pm on Saturday.

Police are asking for any witnesses to the crash, or who saw the pedestrian on the roundabout beforehand, to come forward.

Police also want to speak with the occupants of a black American 4x4 stretch limousine and a silver Renault Megane Scenic which were pictured on CCTV footage at the time of the accident.
Call the Roads Policing Unit on 029 20222111.

ID card 'police' to levy £2,000 fines

ID Card police
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/politics/article2562741.ece

Celebrate Architecture week

Living Streets launches an early celebration of Architecture Week: 15-24 June
How to boost tourism by creating visitor friendly public spaces

13 June 2007 - Visitor Economy and the Public Realm
Visitor Economy and the Public Realm Conference Flyer PDF (279Kb)

This one day conference will consider how an attractive public realm can boost the visitor economy. The conference will look at how much does the public realm support tourism; what visitors want from the public realm; how street events can improve the attractiveness of an area and how to collaborate with other parties that have a vested interest in your area.

The conference will take place at the newly designed headquarters of Visit London and there will be an optional 30 minute tour of the new public space at Queens Walk on the Thames Walkway. Place your bookings now! Living Streets
For more information - Architecture Week

Greenpeace News Energy review and a welcome for the SNP-Green Alliance

Energy Review

As a result of Greenpeace’s successful legal challenge to the 2006 energy review consultation process, the government has been forced back to the drawing board to conduct what should be a comprehensive and necessarily lengthy review on whether to support new nuclear plants. This short paper sets out some of the key questions which must be addressed as part of this consultation, and some of the information requirements to support a proper consultation on a new build nuclear programme.
Greenpeace UK website 9th May 2007

Greenpeace welcomes SNP-Green Alliance as end to Blair's nuclear plan for Scotland.
Greenpeace Press Release 11th May 2007

Rethink Draft Biofuels Policy

Good intentions lain to waste:-
The Governments draft biofuels policy, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO), could see businesses producing biofuels by destroying rainforests and wetlands.
This dash for biofuels:
Is poorly thought out
Lacks appropriate safeguards
Could create more problems than it solves
Greenpeace, RSPB, WWF and Friends of the Earth are all demanding that the RTFO is strengthened so that it truely benefits the environment.Tell the Minister of State for Transport to choose the right biofuel.

New nukes, roads, bigger airports

Proposed planning reforms, say critics, will enable ministers to sidestep public opposition and smooth the way for bigger airports, roads, power stations and other major building projects.
Guardian 9th May 2007

Living Streets on Prosecuting Bad Driving

Living Streets Response to the Crown Prosecution Service consulted on its advice on prosecuting bad driving in the light of changes resulting from the Road Safety Act 2006. You can download the response from Living Streets below (pdf, 133kb).

'Six Degrees' book launch with author Mark Lynas

SIX DEGREES -

OUR FUTURE ON A

WARMER PLANET

SLIDESHOW & DISCUSSION WITH MARK LYNAS

Mark Lynas, Journalist & Author of the bestseller "High Tide"

launches his latest book "Six Degrees" in Cardiff!

Thursday 17 May at 7pm
Main Building
Cardiff University
Park Place
(opposite Student Union)

By the end of the century, the Earth could be more than 6C hotter than it is today. We know that would be bad news - but just how bad? How big a rise will it take for the Alps to melt, the oceans to die and desert to conquer Europe and the Americas? Mark Lynas sifted through thousands of scientific papers for his new book on global warming. This is what the research told him . . .

'An apocalyptic primer of what to expect as the world heats up...it's sobering stuff and shaming too.' Financial Times

'Buy this book for everyone you know...it might just save their lives.' New Stateman

Copies of Mark Lynas's critically acclaimed new book will be on sale after the meeting and Mark will be available to sign copies.

Organised by Cardiff Campaign against Climate Change
www.campaigncc.org

For more info. email - CardiffCCC@hotmail.co.uk

Never ending story of anti-social behaviour that no one will tackle!

Rhiwbina Village - people park where suits them best with no regard for others.

Same on Beulah Road - white lorry man obstructs the pavement and White Van man at it as usual!

Shock tactics

Shock tactics in TV anti-speeding driveBelfast Telegraph - Some of the most horrifying images of road carnage ever filmed will be broadcast on television tonight, as the DoE's latest anti-speeding campaign gets under way - and the commercial is so graphic it cannot be shown until after the 9pm watershed.

Police chief resorts to traffic shock tactics Apr 26 2007 icWales
Controversial police chief Richard Brunstrom used a photograph of a decapitated motorcyclist today to drive home his anti-speeding message.

One image showed the man’s head, with the eyes still open, on a grass verge. It was still cased in a red and white helmet, with the visor raised. Laura Wright, South Wales Echo

It would be more useful to half more humps and less moaning about them - only the other night in the echo we had 'Bumps are a waste of £22,500!' in other places there has been calls for action and nothing happens as in this story 'Horrible accident was waiting to happen'
Mar 15 2007 Staff Reporter, Pontypridd Observer .............."Just how many casualties are acceptable before action is taken?" Is this a reasonable question? Why are there no traffic calming measures here?

Perhaps our engineers and councillors responsible for traffic calming could visit other places for examples of good practice such as York. Pleas alone, however horrific won't stop speeding.

More thought needed for passenger Transport

In the Western Mail Professor Stuart Cole, director of the Wales Transport Research Centre at the University of Glamorgan, says that much thought must be put into passenger transport director of the Wales Transport Research Centre at the University of Glamorgan, says that much thought must be put into passenger transport....

too true......try tackling the routes too.. try getting from Cardiff to Brecon..not possible except on sunday and as soon as you get there its time to go back..... Cardiff to Abergavenny then Service X43 leave Cardiff at 10.45 and arrive Abergavenny at 13.15! TWO hours and 30 mins later! If you want to get home the same day you would have to leave at 13.20..FIVE minutes if you are lucky in ..can't spend much in that time..quicker by train but no public transport link to the centre... Abergavenny

Nick Jones New traffic commissioner for Wales

The Secretary of State has appointed two new traffic commissioners. Sarah Bell has been appointed as traffic commissioner for the Western Area with effect from 12 June 2007. Nick Jones has been appointed as traffic commissioner for the West Midlands and Welsh traffic areas with effect from 1 May 2007. Media-Newswire.com -

Sarah Bell will replace Philip Brown who transfers to the South Eastern and Metropolitan Area from 1 May 2007, replacing Christopher Heaps who will be retiring on 30 April. Nick Jones replaces David Dixon who retired on 31 March.

Geoffrey Simms retired as traffic commissioner for the Eastern Traffic Area on 31 March. This post is currently vacant and will be readvertised shortly.

1. Traffic commissioners are responsible for regulation of the road haulage and passenger transport industries. They administer the licensing system for operators of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles. They determine the fitness of drivers of these vehicles to hold vocational licences. They administer the bus registration system for local bus services and can take action against operators who fail to run services in accordance with registered particulars. They also hear appeals against impounding of illegally used heavy goods vehicles.

2. Traffic commissioners are appointed to one of eight traffic areas - six in England and one each in Wales and Scotland. Nick Jones will act as commissioner for two areas ( West Midlands and Welsh ) in continuation of an established practice.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk

Bus Users UK

I have just read with great sadness about the sudden death of BUS USERS UK’s Officer in Wales Leo Markham. Leo, who was 59, was taken ill with heart trouble on 4 April on the return journey from a Bus Users’ Surgery in Wrexham and died in hospital on Easter Monday, 9 April. Leo had headed BUS USERS UK in Wales for the last six years and since August 2005 had been co-ordinator of the TrawsCambria inter-urban bus network as well as project managing the Beacons bus network.

Road to nowhere

Road to nowhere ic Wales -
Business traffic is often snared up by individuals using their cars for short journeys. More than 60% of trips taken in Wales are shorter than five miles. These short hops are clogging our town centres and motorway junctions, and there is a strong ...

Lisvane inconsiderate parking

icWales - Highest profile crime in Lisvane... poor parking
At this week's PACT meeting, the police said that Lisvane, in Cardiff, had reported ... After complaints of inconsiderate parking near schools by parents, ...
After complaints of inconsiderate parking near schools by parents, children have been brought on board to help enforce the law.

Llysfaen Primary pupils will become young traffic wardens to confront parents parking illegally and are having a competition to write a letter to send home to say what dangers the dangers are. Residents didn't understand why parents couldn't walk their children to school and criticised why they came so early to get a parking spot close to the school gates.PC Rogers suggested that parents could park a bit further away to make sure they don't become hazards.
Walk to school campaign

MORE than 50 per cent of children do not walk to school regularly and
as the number of children being driven to school increases, childhood
obesity, air pollution and road danger also increase. The Walk to School
campaign aims to encourage parents, pupils and teachers to think about
how they travel to school and increase the number of people making
the school journey on foot. The campaign now has the support of more
than 65 per cent of local authorities.
This year National Walk to School Week takes place from 21 to 25
May. The theme is ‘Strider Saves the Planet’ and focuses on reducing
the pollution caused by driving to school.You can find more information
about organising events duringat:
www.walktoschool.org.uk Walk to School week
or by contacting Andrew Fielding at Living
Streets on 0207 820 1010.

Wales to become car park

Wales to become car park!
The Spoof (satire) - 20 Apr 2007Some of the best specialists in this field feel that this is the only way forward to resolve traffic congestion over the next century".

Transport Minister, Douglas Alexander, has unveiled radical plans to tackle the UK's congestion problems. This plan has been heralded as a new dawn in car parking and could arguably be the largest "Park and Ride" project on the face of the planet.

SWANSEA ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ZIGZAGS ITS WAY TO TOP

Story by JASON.EVANS@SWWMEDIA.CO.UK
A Hard-hitting Swansea road safety campaign for schools has been named the best in Britain. Swansea Council's campaign features children dressed in high-visibility clothing laying in the road to form human zigzags.Pictures of the striking image have been made into banners and distributed to schools across the county.Council safety bosses hope the banners will help drive home the message to motorists about the dangers of parking outside schools.

Jeff Green, Swansea Council's road safety officer, said: "We are delighted to have been recognised by our colleagues in local authorities throughout the UK."This very worthwhile road safety scheme helps highlight the dangers schoolchildren face as a result of thoughtless parking on yellow zigzag lines outside schools."

Mr Green said it was a message that some parents were still failing to learn."Many parents continue to park directly outside schools when they are dropping off their children," he said."What we hope to do is to highlight the danger that can be caused by vehicles obstructing the entrance to schools."One of the schools backing the publicity campaign is Gwyrosydd Primary School in Treboeth.Head teacher Jonathan Atter said: "I hope this important campaign will help raise the issue of inconsiderate parking outside schools."Many parents attempt to park directly outside the school gates and either don't realise the dangers they are causing or simply don't care."

Getting away with speeding - no surprise there then! Actually 20 is PLENTY

Less than half of speeders prosecuted Autocar, UK - A BBC radio programme will tonight reveal that more than half of speeding drivers caught by speed camera in London get away without any kind of prosecution ...

Speed cameras miss half of speeders Auto Trader UK, UK - Stuart Milne. Less than half of motorists caught on camera speeding or jumping traffic lights are being prosecuted. Cameras in London photograph half a ...

Speeding: getting away with it News - What Car?, UK - Many drivers who are caught speeding or going through red lights are not being prosecuted, according to a new investigation. ... Perhaps we need to thing of more original ideas for traffic calming? See Living Streets and 20 is PLENTY campaign

Transport link environment fears for the sports village

How do we get to the sports village?

Apr 18 2007 Gerry Holt, South Wales Echo A Cardiff conservation group is calling on the council to radically reassess plans for the International Sports Village. Cardiff Friends of the Earth is warning the village in Cardiff Bay will fail unless it has adequate transport links, particularly for those without cars.

The group claim proposals for alternative transport plans have been rejected or shelved, including a new railway station at Cogan linked to a pedestrian or cycle bridge and cycle lanes on the Cogan Spur. Marc Buehner, of the group, said: 'It is completely unacceptable for a modern development to be so reliant on the car. As well as negative health and environmental effects, congestion on approach roads will make the village less appealing, leading to some facilities becoming less viable.'

The group is organising a cycle-ride demonstration to press for a bridge over the River Ely at 11am on Sunday, starting at Cogan station.

Reduce the carbon footprint of our cities by favouring walking and cyling

Good ideas and examples :-
By the 1970s, Groningen was dealing with unprecedented traffic jams. Efforts to widen streets merely shifted congestion from one part of the city to another. It was like suffering from clogged arteries and only resorting to bypass surgery rather than trying to make lifestyle changes.

Groningen in the Netherlands boasts the highest rate of bicycle use in the nation, amounting to nearly 60% of all trips.

They set up a network of bike paths and bike lanes, lowering speed limits, and other infrastructure including four-direction green intersections. These are intersections where motor traffic completely stops and bicyclists are given their own turn to travel in any direction —either straight ahead or onto another street. What’s more, those who ride a bike to work are given special tax credits, and employers will often cover the cost of a bicycle as a business expense. You could call it getting a “company bike.? Tax credits actually save the government money, since the cost of a tax credit is still much lower than it would be to maintain roads overcrowded with single-occupancy automobiles.
They limited automobile movement. The city streets are more or less laid out as a series of concentric rings that get smaller as you get closer to the center of town. Traffic engineers cut the city into quadrants like a pie, then installed bollards so cars cannot drive from one end of town to the other without first driving outside of the “pie? — driving around downtown and entering through another quadrant. This city action discourages driving a car downtown. Buses and bicycles, however, are not restricted. The result is a downtown that is friendlier for walking and bicycling...as well as shopping.

When the city first tested the plan, local businesses feared that they would lose business. What happened was the exact opposite. The downtown became more attractive, and business owners soon called for the plan to be expedited, theyfound that those who arrive by bicycle tend to be better customers. While they may buy fewer items per trip, the trips are more frequent. Often, the biking customers spend more due to increased impulse-buying.

We need to impress upon our local governments and neighbors that purely car-centric cities do not make good economic sense. The maintenance costs are just too high — and that results in higher taxes.

In the picture Woonerf, indicated by the sign on the right. This is translated as "living street" meaning cars must travel at speed of pedestrians. Sidewalks are merged with the road creating the feeling that motorist is entering the yard of the residents and to watch out for children playing, etc.

See more pictures on http://uniqbike.vox.com/ uniqbike
unique useful innovative transportation

TECHNIQUES FOR URBAN SUSTAINABILITY
Traffic Calming BY JEFF KENWORTHYInstitute for Sustainability and Technology Policy, Murdoch University

Lib Dems promise to get Wales moving

"GET WALES MOVING!" Lib Dems
I have asked the Lib Dems what they will do about inconsiderate parking.

I wrote 'When will you decriminalise parking and stop parking on double yellow lines and on the pavement.

Please look at my albums of pics - Whitchurch Village has always got cars parked on double yellow lines stopping the bus pulling in. Sophie Howe -New Labour -was campaigning outside Iceland in Whitchurch on Sat and told me 'It is a police matter' & she had 'rung the police several times about the problem,' so in the 7/8 years she has been a councillor in Whitchurch she couldn't do a thing about it! Will the Lim Dems put an end to this and parking on the pavement?

JOIN Living Streets if you agree that we should:

Create communities free from fear of traffic
Excess traffic speed kills. Especially at risk are the vulnerable - pedestrians, cyclists, children and elderly. But excess speed also kills the life of our streets as fear of accidents means children are kept indoors, people are less likely to walk to local amenities and community interaction is inhibited. We want:
Comprehensive speed management plans for all of our cities, towns and villages
20mph speed limits on all the community streets where we live, shop, work and play

Speed control through widespread traffic calming and enforcement techniques

Stop pavement parking
Vehicle parking on pavements, at pedestrian crossing points and alongside dropped kerbs is on the increase. This poses a major barrier to walking, particularly for those with mobility difficulties. In London pavement parking has been banned and decriminalised so that local authorities rather than police can enforce the ban.

We want:
The Welsh Assembly to give councils effective powers against pavement parking and anti-social parking Councils to decriminalise procedures and introduce fines for bad parking

Design streets for all
For decades roads have been designed predominantly for traffic, ignoring the needs of walkers even where there are more people travelling on foot than in vehicles. Streets and public spaces should be more than traffic corridors, for instance as playgrounds, meeting places and markets.

We want:
More space for walking and cycling, less for cars and lorries
Streets classified and redesigned by their use as play, residential, mixed or distributory

Give walking a higher profile

Walking is a vital ingredient of health and social inclusion as well as a key component in environmental and transport policies. The contribution walking makes to our communities must be recognised by the Welsh Assembly and local authorities.

We want:
A joined-up national policy framework for walking in Wales
A major role for walking and sustainable travel in national, regional and local transport policy

Councils to produce Walking Strategies linked to Health Improvement Programmes like
Walking Works Wales is a new Living Streets initiative, funded by Health Challenge Wales

Upgrade walking networks
Local pedestrian networks are often in a poor state after decades of neglect, leaving inadequate footway widths, safety hazards, unnecessary obstacles to movement and visual clutter. Basic standards of accessibility for disabled users, as expected to follow from the Disability Discrimination Act, are not being met.

We want:
Community Street Audits of key walking routes to schools, community facilities and public transport

Resourced improvement programmes for upgrading footpaths and public space

Better walking access in new developments

Shops and essential services need to be within a 15 minute walk of homes to be truly accessible on foot. We want new developments to achieve a mix of housing with shops and essential services nearby to minimise the need to travel. New areas and planning proposals should be designed to ensure walkability, with direct, attractive and safe path networks to key local facilities.

We want: Walkability testing for all new development proposals, by local authorities at the planning application stage.

The Welsh Assembly Government to highlight the needs of pedestrians to developers, planners and engineers through guidance, training and awareness raising

Promote walking
Walking is easy, cheap, and often social. We need to encourage people to walk as part of their daily lives.

We want:
The Welsh assembly Government to continue to strongly promote the advantages of walking for health, transport and the environment by supporting more walking initiatives

Local authorities and community plan partners to adopt walking as a key measure of the success of Community Plans and Joint Health Improvement programmes

A series of sustainable travel towns introduced across SWales to test approaches to active travel, with walking and walkability as key components of the approach

Make public transport accessible
Walking is an essential part of public transport trips but often pedestrian routes to bus stops are inaccessible, particularly for those whose mobility is impaired. The quality of pedestrian access in and around many rail and bus stations is also poor. Under the Disability Discrimination Act it is unacceptable for this to continue. We believe a better pedestrian environment will encourage more walking and public transport use, helping to ease congestion and improving health.

We want:
Walkability Audits of all bus and rail stations and main routes to them

Go and tell your election candidates what you want them to do

Sun 15th April, Swansea - televised BBC hustings meeting. Email debatewales@bbc.co.uk or ring 08700 100 775 for information or to get tickets.

- Tue 17th April - Cardiff North - Rhiwbina Baptist Church, 7.30 pm - organised by Evangelical Alliance (contact: Jim Stewart, tel: 07921 080464).

- Wed 18th April, Cardiff - Temple of Peace, Cardiff, 7.30 pm - organised by Cardiff Stop the War Coalition/United Nations Association.

- Wed 18th April, Newport - King's Hotel, 7.15 pm - organised by Friends of the Earth.
- Sun 22nd April, Llandudno - televised BBC hustings meeting. Email debatewales@bbc.co.uk or ring 08700 100 775 for information or to get tickets.

- Wed 25th April, Newport West - Bethel Church, Stow Hill - organised by Evangelical Alliance (contact: Jim Stewart, tel: 07921 080464).

- Wed 25th April, Clwyd West - Capel Salem, Colwyn Bay, 7.30 pm - organised by Evangelical Alliance (contact: Peter Levers, tel: 01492 531984).

- Thu 26th April, Cardiff Central - Glenwood Church, Llanedeyrn, 7.30 pm - organised by Evangelical Alliance (contact: Jim Stewart, tel: 07921 080464).

- Sun 29th April, Cardiff - televised BBC hustings meeting. Email debatewales@bbc.co.uk or ring 08700 100 775 for information or to get tickets.

Make walking safer! Walking is more dangerous than going by car, the Social Trends analysis said.

From Social Trends analysis
Measured mile for mile, motorcycles are the most dangerous way to travel, followed by walking, and then bicycles. Motorcyclists are killed at the rate of 169 for every billion miles travelled, it reported. Some 59 pedestrians are killed for every billion miles walked, while 56 cyclists are killed for each billion miles travelled.

Only four car passengers are killed for every billion miles driven. The comparative safety of car passengers means the school run has cut the number of children killed on the roads. The report said: "There has been a steady fall in the number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents." It noted a fall of 11 per cent in a single year between 2004 and 2005, and a reduction of 68 per cent since 1980. In 2005, 3,500 children were seriously injured or killed in road accidents.

Make walking safer! Welsh elections are coming up so call on the person you vote for to make a commitment to making walking safer - more crossings, speed bumps and traffic calming are urgent.

The parents who want their kids to be safe are making walking more dangerous for the children who walk! Many of these are the most poorest children.

Note that Bus and coach fares rose by 168 per cent between 1997 and2006 in the UK, compared with a rise in the ‘All items’ retail prices index of 93 per cent - doesn't encourage people to travel by public transport.
Make walking safer - join Living Streets

Walking is more dangerous than going by car, the Social Trends analysis said.

From Social Trends analysis
Measured mile for mile, motorcycles are the most dangerous way to travel, followed by walking, and then bicycles. Motorcyclists are killed at the rate of 169 for every billion miles travelled, it reported. Some 59 pedestrians are killed for every billion miles walked, while 56 cyclists are killed for each billion miles travelled.

Only four car passengers are killed for every billion miles driven. The comparative safety of car passengers means the school run has cut the number of children killed on the roads. The report said: "There has been a steady fall in the number of children killed or seriously injured in road accidents." It noted a fall of 11 per cent in a single year between 2004 and 2005, and a reduction of 68 per cent since 1980. In 2005, 3,500 children were seriously injured or killed in road accidents.

Make walking safer! Welsh elections are coming up so call on the person you vote for to make a committment to making walking safer - more crossings, speed bumps and traffic calming are urgent.

The parents who want their kids to be safe are making walking more dangerous for the children who walk! Many of these are the most poorest children.

Note that Bus and coach fares rose by 168 per cent between 1997 and2006 in the UK, compared with a rise in the ‘All items’ retailprices index of 93 per cent - doesn't encourage people to travel by public transport.

Assembly election and New Labour Environmental Policy

ASSEMBLY ELECTION TIME 2007
Labour CLAIM THEY will meet head on the challenge of climate change, by building a sustainable Wales that is cleaner and greener by minimising Wales’ carbon footprint, supporting environmental technology and developing an integrated public transport network. Not managed much so far. Traffic Congestion? Want to cycle, not if the Welsh Assembly can help it, they don't do cycle lanes - they do do roads. See below the campaign for a cycle/pedestrian bridge over the river Ely.

Don't do traffic wardens either - Can we travel in Wales from South to North qickly. Highspeed trains in Europe have been in the news this week - it takes a hour to get to Merthyr Tydfil from Cardiff and try getting to Brecon by bus, you could be away all day but don't reckon on getting back. Want to go to from Cardiff to Caerphilly by bus, not after 6.30 or on a Sunday. Lousy public transport may affect the economy as well!!!
New Labour promise to increase fines for litter and graffiti and to ensure the establishment of an Anti Social Behaviour Unit (big brother) in every local authority area but this will NOT include tackling more dangerous antisocial behaviour such as inconsiderate parking, parking on the pavement, blocking access to schools for pedestrains and cyclists, parking on cycle lanes, speeding ..Life is hard for the pedestrain or cylist ..See the pictures of Cardiff Bay this weekend above

CARDIFF FRIENDS OF THE EARTH DEMO 22 April

Cardiff Friends of the Earth are organizing a Cycle Demo on SUNDAY, 22nd APRIL (which happens to be Earth Day) to campaign for a cycle/pedestrian bridge over the river Ely.
For all the millions thrown at the International Sports Village, the developers could not be bothered to provide a safe way for cyclists and pedestrians to access the site from Penarth, which is only a stone's throw away across the river. The only option is to chance the Cogan Spur flyover, with its 60mph speed limit and no pavement.

Assembly point is the Cogan Rail Station car park, Penarth, at 11hrs AM. We will then cycle up to Baron's Court Junction, over the Spur (en mass), through the big roundabout at the bottom by Asda, and then back up again on the same route to finish in the car park again.

If you are not a cyclist, you can still come and participate. Although the police do not allow pedestrians on the spur itself, pedestrian demonstrators could assemble in the car park, walk up to the junction with the cyclists, and then stand on the pavement near the Spur. If you could bring a banner or sign, this would have the added bonus of alerting motorists to the purpose of the demonstration. Families and children are particularly welcome. Contact: Marc Buehner mbuehner@mac.com.

RFI0414 Cycle Bridge over River Ely

Picture Local group members try to cross the River Ely

Lib Dems U turn for aggressive Car lobby

Lib Dems do a U turn

Listening to residents’ views on parking: Cllr. Ed Bridges and Cllr. Cathy Pearcy want a workable solution to Gabalfa’s parking congestion problems.
The only working solution is CPZs. Have you listened to the elderly, disabled people, pedestrains and others who don't get as much coverage in the newspapers?

What other options to address parking congestion would be acceptable to the pro car anacharists lobby? None, I'll bet.

The original consultation showed a majority of residents backed the scheme. How is this no longer the case?
Feet first ANOTHER WAY is POSSIBLE
One man Michael Loveday, dedication to ridding the streets of cars and handing power back to pedestrians appears to be working wonders
Chris Arnot Wednesday March 14, 2007 The Guardian

Plans for Cardiff council to take over enforcement of parking controls from the police must carry on if the capital is to kept moving. That is the claim of Cardiff Bus' managing director David Brown recently. Mr Brown believes the abandonment of controlled parking zones should not stop a city-wide 'decriminalised' scheme because it could lead to anarchy as motorists continue to ignore traffic regulations.
Mr Brown went on: 'I don't think the benefits of CPZs were fully understood. That decision has now been taken so we have to move on. 'But there is still clearly unanimous support for enforcement of parking controls and tackling illegal parking.
'That will benefit residents but also the bus company because discourteous drivers parking at junctions or on double yellow lines do slow buses through traffic.


See also Living Streets
Manual for Streets article speaks up for pedestrians

Living Streets on the Manual for Streets is launched, Tom Franklin, Chief Executive of Living Streets, has written a feature for Surveyor magazine on the positive implications of the Manual, and where more could be done.

Guiding Steps to free up the streets
'For decades, our streets have been designed around the needs of cars rather than people. But over the past few years, the excuses for doing so have been running low. Local authorities have come to see the benefits of more people-friendly streets - for communities, the environment and the local economy.'

13-year backlog to repair poor Welsh roads

All over Cardiff pedestrain crossings are in urgent need of maintainance - painting etc. Double yellow lines need urgent attention and enforcement of traffic regulations.

Cyclists are at risk not only because of the road condition but speeding traffic, lack of investment in cyling lanes and total lack of enforcement of traffic regulations.

Over one million potholes on British roads
It would take more than ten years to repair them

WELSH roads are locked in a spiral of decline that is leaving them ridden with "swimming pool" sized potholes that will take almost 13 years to clear, experts warn. Darren Devine, Western Mail

Councils waste £250 million a year on dumped cars!

Councils waste £250 million annually on dumped cars
Astonishing figures on how much money is wasted by local government on the problem of abandoned vehicles! Recycle your Car

The money could be better spent on improving pavements and crossings. There should be a recycling tax on cars at the time of purchase and then, like bottles with a deposit they are likely to be returned to an appropriate place or collected by someone else.

Reduce your CO2 emissions if you must buy a car!

The Department for Transport's campaign about reducing CO2 emissions when you buy a car and when you drive is the first to launch under the cross Government brand "Act on CO2", aimed at giving the public useful information on how to reduce their individual carbon emissions.

All cars on the road today contribute to climate change because their engines burn fuel and therefore produce carbon dioxide (CO2) every time we drive. Yet you can easily reduce these emissions and save money too.

You could also choose a new car with a more fuel efficient engine. Or make sure your tyres are pumped up correctly to reduce resistance. Even travelling a bit lighter when you're out and about can help.

Visit the Act on CO2 website for full information, advice and tips. There are games to play and a savings calculator to find out how you can reduce CO2 emissions from your car.

Close Kingsway in Swansea - no more deaths!

Campaign to get the Kingsway, a main road, closed in Swansea during weekend nights after Geraint Flynn died after being hit by a car in February 2005. It is the road where boy racers congregate and Geraints mum has had much public support. The council have agreed to do a full study on the cost of closing it.

It follows a petition signed by 12,000 people, collected by the family of a 19-year-old student who died after being run over two years ago.
Geraint Flynn's family said the Kingsway was being used by "boy racers" who were endangering revellers. Council leader Chris Holley said a report would be commissioned on the effects of closing the road. The proposal was backed by a full meeting of Swansea council on Thursday evening. Read the article

See also Road Peace

CPZ - Cardiff Bus boss warns of anarchy

Cardiff Bus managing director is quite right that we must have enforcement of parking controls. It is a disgrace that this has to be argued for. Parking at bus stops means that the bus can't pull in and elderly and disabled passengers can't board the bus. Whitchurch Village Cardiff is an example of the thoughtlessness of motorists and an example of the blatent disregard for the parking laws. But they know they will not be punished or even retrimanded. Time for a change. Picture from Whitchurch Village bus stop. Why are are local politicians not doung something to stop this? Are they afraid of the MOTORISTS? See the Living Streets parking policy.

Plans for Cardiff council to take over enforcement of parking controls from the police must carry on if the capital is to kept moving. That is the claim of Cardiff Bus' managing director David Brown. Mr Brown believes the abandonment of controlled parking zones should not stop a city-wide 'decriminalised' scheme because it could lead to anarchy as motorists continue to ignore traffic regulations.
Mr Brown went on: 'I don't think the benefits of CPZs were fully understood. That decision has now been taken so we have to move on. 'But there is still clearly unanimous support for enforcement of parking controls and tackling illegal parking.
'That will benefit residents but also the bus company because discourteous drivers parking at junctions or on double yellow lines do slow buses through traffic.

'Funding sources need to be found to ensure decriminalised parking can go ahead.
'Proper enforcement is recognised as critical to keeping the city moving and open for business and illegal parking affects everyone.

'The best way forward for the council is to keep the programme of decriminalised parking so we avoid the city descending into anarchy.'
Mar 20 2007 Phillip Nifield, South Wales Echo

Have your say on the city's parking problems at forums.icwales.co.uk
Look at the album of parking on double yellow lines here.

Don’ t you dare pity the picked-on motorist

I thought I would pop this in to inspire those of you who are faltering with the motorists winning the war and CPZ uturn!

I support the war against the motorist. Why not? The bastards are constantly at war with me
David Aaronovitch January 30, 2007

Get rid of the cars!

One man's dedication to ridding the streets of cars and handing power back to pedestrians appears to be working wonders ...new role as chair of Living Streets.

.........Underlying Loveday's approach is some hard economics. He has shown the good burghers of Norwich that giving pedestrians the right to roam is good for business. Examples are at every turn as he takes me on a guided walk around the city. Despite its name, Gentlemen's Walk has been traffic-free since only the early 1990s. "Traders didn't like the idea at first," Loveday recalls, "so we did a three-month trial and found that pedestrian flow increased by 300% at peak times." Result: no further objections from retailers.
Chris Arnot Wed March 14, 2007 The Guardian
Cardiff could learn a lesson here. Don't give in to the car lobby!

What do cyclists have to do before Cardiff Council takes any notice of their complaints?

Good point by Max Willis - time for a change! What will it take for them to take any notice?

The Way Cardiff Council road-men (or contractors) ignore cycleways is a disgrace.
Cardiff only mandatory cycleway - alongside the North Road car park -has a section again just blocked by barriers with no warning or night-time lights.In the week, a lorry was parked right across the Taff Embankment trail near the Tudor St crossing, while roadmen dug a hole (same place that they dug up last autumn and used a sign "Cyclists Dismount" that had no legal status).These are "highways". If cars were using it, there are protocols about signs etc. to follow. For cycleways, they do nothing.

Fill That Hole

http://www.fillthathole.org.uk/report

Neighbourhood Fix It to report broken paving slabs etc

Report, view, or discuss local problems like graffiti, fly tipping, broken paving slabs, or street lighting

Bid for safety improvement work in Whitchurch

Council Traffic Officers worked with teachers and pupils at Whitchurch High School apparently to identify the routes they used and any safety issues and then submitted a bid for safety improvement work to the Welsh Assembly. Too little - it is disgraceful the state of pavements, appalling dropped kerbs and too few crossings.
Look at these pictures of the state of the crossing on the route to school for children and young people from Rhiwbina to Whitchurch. too many 'islands' and is it possible to reach the controlls?

The bid submitted to the Assembly included the following improvements to routes used by pupils.
Velindre Road roundabout - Velindre Road and Kelston Road - pedestrian crossings
Pantbach Road - pedestrian crossing
Three phased scemes providing cycle lanes along Manor Way
Church Road - soeed reduction scheme
Park Road and Park Crescent - junction improvements and speed reduction measures
St Margarets Road - improvement to dropped kerbs
Plas Treoda - table junction and speed reduction measures
Pantmawr Road and Coryton Rise - junction improvements
Provision of cycle stands and lockers at the school

Cllr Asbo Sophie Who Howe boast of promoting road safety when as the councillor for Whitchurch she hasn't done anything about the illegal parking on double yellow lines or had pedestrians crossing well maintained and nothing about the dangerous crossing across manor way.

WAG IMPROVED MEASURES FOR CAR PARKING CONTROL

It is clear that the current system needs to be improved. The sooner the better. This persistant and blatant illegal perking has to be stopped. The picture shows Whitchuch Village where drivers park on double yellow lines with total impunity.
IMPROVED MEASURES FOR CAR PARKING CONTROL consultation package was published for consultation on 30th January
2007. The closing date for comments is 28th March 2007. The document will be
displayed on the Transport for Wales website from 12:00pm on Tuesday 6th
February 2007.

This consultation deals with new proposals to strengthen decriminalised parking enforcement. The proposals will be given effect through Regulations made under Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

Plans for new measures to overhaul the country’s system of civil parking enforcement in Wales. The draft proposals make clear that the Welsh Assembly Government wants local authorities to use parking enforcement powers to keep the traffic flowing and not to raise money.
Regulating the availability and pricing of car parking is an important tool for restraining the growth in the use of private car and for encouraging the shift to public transport. The Assembly Government will continue to support local authorities to take on these management responsibilities. The aim is a fairer system for all.

The highlights of the Government’s proposals, which goes to public consultation today, include:
• Wheel clamping only for the most persistent parking penalty evaders
• More transparency and information for road users with authorities publishing their policies and reports
• Dedicated training for everyone involved in administering civil parking enforcement from on the street right up to the boardroom
• A more motorist-friendly appeals process with a penalty charge discount reoffered after an informal challenge
30th January 2007
Ffôn * Tel 01686 613116
Ffacs * Fax 01686 613193
Cath.Midgley@Wales.GSI.Gov.UK

Shopkeepers misled on CPZ

Jenny Randerson AM says Shopkeepers misled on CPZ The shopkeepers who are opposing the Controlled Parking Zones in Cathays and Plasnewydd, seem to have been seriously misled about how they will work.

They are designed specifically to deter long-term commuter parking in order to help both residents and local shops. More resident spaces will make it easier to park near your home and the cost of residents' parking permits will be reduced overall, with the first permit free and the second one at a reduced rate, which will reduce the cost of permits for two car families by £15.

The scheme is designed to help shopkeepers and shoppers, with the first 15 minutes parking free and only 10p for the first hour.

It is clearly, therefore, wrong to suggest people will now go to shop in Canton, rather than Albany, Wellfield and Crwys roads.

Nobody will think it's worthwhile to spend time and petrol travelling all the way to Canton to avoid a 10p charge.

I used to shop regularly in Albany and Wellfield roads but I stopped several years ago because 1 could never find a parking space.

A small charge, plus the enforcement of parking restrictions by increased numbers of traffic wardens, will ensure a turnover of shoppers in nearby spaces, rather than the all-day commuter parking we now have.

The only way we are going to get more traffic wardens is if the council takes them over.

The police force has reduced traffic warden numbers by 30 per cent and has made it clear the issue is not its priority.

Jenny Randerson AM Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for Cardiff Central, Cardiff Bay

Bus service - its just a sitcom

There was a good letter in the paper from David Hampson Colwill Road, Gabalfa, Cardiff 8 March

Bus service - it's just a sitcom!

Classic British comedy On the Buses seems to have reappeared on the streets of Cardiff, only this time around like many remakes it's nowhere near as funny.

In fact the only joke is how Cardiff Bus is being run.

Parties in Wales support the cutting back of public transport

Friday, March 09, 2007 Anonymous left a comment ...
Blair & Brown and the 4 neo-liberal parties in Wales all support the cutting back of public transport and more road building. More and more roads are not sustainable: we need an alternative.

In the context of this blog, you might find very interesting a study by Lynn Sloman, this authorative report shows how local schemes such as school travel plans, workplace travel plans, etc., could cut urban traffic from between 15% and 33%. www.roadblock.org.uk/resources/LessTrafficWherePeopleLive.pdf

Also on a similar subject, Friends of the Earth did a good study on schemes to replace school buses and the "school-run" with the

CANTON CPZ POLL RESULT IS BAD NEWS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Cardiff Friends of the Earth today expressed regret at the decision of Canton residents to reject a Controlled parking Zone (CPZ) in their area in last Friday’s referendum. The CPZ scheme, which was designed to deter commuters from parking in Canton’s streets, would have seen a reduction in congestion.

The benefits would have included a decrease in air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions as commuters would be encouraged to switch to more environmentally sustainable public transport. Reduced congestion would also make public transport more efficient, as pointed out by Leo Markham of Bus Users UK. Buses are relied upon by disadvantaged members of society, such as the elderly and those on low incomes who cannot afford to own cars. These groups would have enjoyed greater access to services and jobs as a result of CPZ since bus services would be quicker and more reliable. This is particularly the case in Canton as Cowbridge Road East is the main artery connecting the deprived Ely and Caerau wards with the City Centre.

Dr Marc Buehner, Cardiff Friends of the Earth’s Transport and Planning Spokesman said, “Friends of the Earth have always campaigned in favour of greater local decision making and of course we repsect the outcome of the referendum. However, there is no avoiding the fact that this is a victory for the motoring lobby at the expense of the environment.”

“There was perhaps a failure to make the environmental case for CPZs in months leading up to the referendum. Should the CPZ scheme be called into question in any other wards where they are proposed, Cardiff FoE will endeavour to put that point of view across.”

info@foecardiff.co.uk

Additional details:
Retailers vastly overestimate the proportion of customers arriving by car, and underestimate how many customers travelled by foot, cycle, or bus. A recent study conducted for SUSTRANS revealed that retailers on an arterial road in Bristol thought that 43% of their customers arrived by car, when in reality only 22% drove. Likewise, retailers estimated that only 12% of customers lived locally, within half a mile, when in reality 42% travelled less then half a mile, and a whopping 86% lived within a 2 mile radius. The research also showed that pedestrian shoppers visit more shops when they are in the area, compared to motorists. Thus, concerns from retailers that lack of parking damages their business are an urban myth. CPZs, if supplemented with better public transport and pedestrianisation, are good for communities, not bad. They increase the cohesion of the social fabric by preventing congestion and making the area more attractive.

Audit Commission highlights the dangers for child pedestrians on our streets

'Changing Lanes' a report by the Audit Commission published on 26 February, has backed up the work of campaigning charity Living Streets, highlighting the fact that our streets can be dangerous places for vulnerable pedestrians, in particular children.
Read the full article Tuesday 27 February 2007

Get off the grass! Pavements are no place for cars!

Caerphilly Road Verges chewed up so what are the council doing to stop this?

What are the council doing? Nothing.

Parking on the newly grass verge!

e
How could you? These grass verges on Caerphilly Road have just been relaid - the environment is ruined and is so unneccessary and should not be allowed.

Are Pavements for people part two..

News from elsewhere!! Others find this a problem too!!..... if its their vehicle or contractor why are they on the pavement… vehicle parked up on the pavement blocking the splay lines of vehicles exiting Dunorlan Park. Tags: pavement, parking, pembury, road, traffic, survey, kcc, twbc, police.
Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells - http://www.disgusted.tw

Llanishen Ticket office sells for twice expected priceFeb 20 2007

Gerry Holt, South Wales Echo
A 19th-century train station ticket office has sold for double what was expected. The 99-year lease on the former ticket office at Llanishen railway station in Cardiff was expected to fetch £50,000 - but it sold at auction for £105,000.

Pavement parking in Rhiwbina some people think they can park anywhere.

Why isn't there traffic wardens to stop this?

Parking on double yellow lines routine in Whitchurch

Green Drinks coming to Cardiff!

Green Drinks International
Every month people who work in the environmental field meet up for a beer at informal sessions known as Green Drinks.

We have a lively mixture of people from NGOs, academia, government and business. Come along and you'll be made welcome. Just say, "are you green?" and we will look after you and introduce you to whoever is there.It's a great way of catching up with people you know and also for making new contacts. Everyone invites someone else along, so there’s always a different crowd, making Green Drinks an organic, self-organising network.

These events are very simple and unstructured, but many people have found employment, made friends, developed new ideas, done deals and had moments of serendipity. It's a force for the good and we'd like to help it spread to other cities. Contact your local node to get the latest info about coming along.

You can also email edwin [at] greendrinks [dot] org if you want some tips on how to set up Green Drinks in your City.

Parking Zones versus Car anarchy

Cardiff Bus backs parking zones for city
ic Wales, UK - 10 Jan 2007Cardiff Bus today backed the introduction of controlled parking zones, insisting that doing nothing was not an option. The company said that it would only ..
Cardiff chooses to give into the car lobby every time. This is shameful.

So what is Blair doing about climate change?

A message from Greenpeace
We're on the verge of climate catastrophe: that's the verdict of today's report from the world's top climate scientists. If we carry on with business as usual, the prognosis for planet Earth is more droughts, heatwaves and floods, stronger hurricanes, melting ice-sheets and rising sea levels. The message to the world's governments couldn't be clearer: it's time to act.

So what's Blair doing? He's ushering in a new generation of coal power plants... A number of energy companies are putting in applications to build brand new coal plants - the first to be built in 20 years. This coal rush is the inevitable result of Blair's love affair with the most polluting fossil fuel; coal use has risen under Blair.The UK now emits more carbon dioxide than 112 of the world's smallest countries combined. So this morning, we at Greenpeace put the responsibility for these emissions at the government's doorstep, tipping four tonnes of coal at the entrance to Blair's environment department:www.greenpeace.org.uk/blairdumpsclimate

Sign an e-petition!

1. We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to to bring in UK legislation at once to ban the use of bullbars on any UK registered vehicle. More details
Submitted by Michael W Thomas – Deadline to sign up by: 02 February 2008 – Signatures: 13
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/bullbars/

2. We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to Don't Scrap the planned vehicle tracking and road pricing policy. More details
Submitted by Tim Lewis – Deadline to sign up by: 11 March 2007 – Signatures: 156

Bad parking led to mobility scooter toppling off the pavement

Illegal parking row as woman, 87, breaks hip in scooter crash
AN elderly woman from Chard was left with a broken hip on Thursday after bad parking led to her mobility scooter toppling off a pavement.This is The West Country Somerset News - http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk

This shows the what can happen when cars park in an inconsiderate manner!

What's behind that new 'wall' at Cardiff Castle?

What is behind that new 'wall' in front of Cardiff castle..well not a lot.. car parking for who? Who knows .. some people who don't do much work. Just look at the rubbish as well. Not a very good impression for visitors and as for residents who have to look at this eyesore everyday, they are well cheesed off!! when will this be cleared up. Bring back the grass!

Perks for civil servants

Interesting perk for Portuguese civil servants:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1987326,00.html

Going without the car from Living Now Magazine down under

Going without the car

By editor
... the expense of running a vehicle, congestion hassles, and parking challenges. ... spaces for people to stroll, congregate, relax, or sit at pavement cafés. ... An absence of access roads and parking facilities frequently lowers the ...

Living Now Magazine - http://www.techinsight.com.au/clients/livingnow

Beulah Road resident on annoying Traffic Issues

congratulations! its about time someone took a stand against people who park on pavements i share the same grievence as you do, but you have left your little notice on my car which is outside my house admittedly slightly on the pavement by the way i live in 16 Beulah road and my name is Simon Hart, parking in beulah road is a nightmare for residents and the people who drive through beulah road are the cause of people like myslf who park slighly off the road to avoid theyre car being damaged because of the bottle kneck caused by the real offenders - the people who park outside the shops on the opposite and illegal side of the road i.e people who use Derek Freye dry cleaners they just mount the pavement with no care jump out quite often leaving theyre car running and think "o i will only be two minutes while i pick up my dry cleaning" the pavement outside the shops bares the scares of this action as all the pavement slabs are split into millions of pieces, why hasent the council put up railings to dter this which i find so dangerous as i have nearly been knocked down myself whilst walking on that pavement only to be shouted at by the driver saying watch where i am going! aside from that i am lucky if i can even park anywhere near my house and when i do i have had to put up with years of people blocking my driveway whilst they go to the shops and theyre excuse "i was only two minutes" yea only two minutes that was the two minutes of an emergency that stopped me getting to the hospital for a broken arm!!!!! bicycles you metion in your leaflet are not allowed on the pavement unless the rider is under 14 i see the new trendy dads with theyre kiddies on a trailer bike riding the pavements i see old and young perfeclty mobile people taking to the electric scooter and beeping t me to get out of the way!!! i know theyre names and where they live they are probably not insured or have a licensce and i know damn well they can walk with no trouble!
i have lived in this street for 25years and seen many crazy things its good to see someone is trying to do something about it but all your facts are wrong dont blame residents do something about the real offenders peope who dangerously mount the kerb people who ride the scooters like crazed teenagers who ride petrol scooters and grown ups who think they have the right to ride on the pavement because they have theyre little on on the back, if you would like to discuss this any further i am glad to comment but i wont be moving my car in any hurry until measures are taken to sto the real offenders.

sincerely simon hart

Cardiff City Centre

More people trying to cross than cars on the road. This is a mess and time it was cleaned up. Note the gum and railings.

Too many railings and badly designed crossings make it difficult to cross and dangerous as some leap over the railings and some have been killed as a result.

Welsh councils ignoring climate change

Councils 'ignoring climate change'
Only a handful of local authorities which replied to a Guardian survey said they were taking any action to address the rising carbon emissions produced by their residents.
The paper compares the results of its survey with recent comments by climate change minister Ian Pearson, who said councils were at the forefront of the country's efforts to tackle climate change.

Leading by example. Ever wondered which are Britain's best performing councils on green issues? Ponder no more, we name the top 10
Terry Slavin Wednesday January 3, 2007The Guardian

What about Wales. Wales is definately not in the top ten so no surprise there then! We are campaigning/battling for a change in approach in Cardiff which is very congested and has shown NO inclination to change. It is pro car full stop. The car lobby has only to raise its head and the council will back down. It is difficult to cross the road here as the custom is to have crossing on only one or at the most 3 sides of a busy crossroad? In fact one despairs. Politiicans haven't the courage here to do anything or evan take a stand..
Sue Essex AM tells me ...
Sue said that it seemed to have worked very well in London, and that she supports it in principle. However, she would need more information on traffic flow etc. before she could judge whether it is really appropriate for Cardiff.