You can now apply for companion and carer permits.
We are trialling a permit gate scheme on Crystal Glen to reduce the number of vehicles using this junction.
This is the first scheme like this in Cardiff.
Overview
A permit gate is a short stretch of road where, during operational times, only permit holders and authorised vehicles can drive.
If you do not have a permit, you can still access the area, but you need to exit it the same way you entered without driving through the permit gate.
Local buses, taxis and car club vehicles do not need a permit to use the permit gate.
The scheme does not restrict the access to any property.
Goals
Our goals with this scheme are to:
- prevent vehicles from using Fishguard Road and Crystal Glen as a shortcut between Ty Glas Avenue and Heathwood Road, and
- encourage active travel.
These roads were for resident and visitor access only before, but the restriction is difficult to enforce, and drivers were not following it.
The police and Cardiff Council policy do not support access-only orders.
How long is the scheme
The duration of the permit gate is 18-month (from 19 June 2023).
It is a trial period so we can monitor and test the scheme.
If it works well, we will consider making it permanent.
Operational times
The permit gate applies from Monday to Saturday, 7am to 7pm.
This is to:
- prevent drivers from using these roads as a shortcut during peak traffic times, and
- allow residents and visitors free access in the evenings and on Sunday.
Permit eligibility
- residents and their visitors,
- businesses,
- places of worship, and
- community premises, such as social clubs or halls.
You can apply for a permit if your property is on:
- Crystal Glen,
- Fishguard road,
- Ty-Glas avenue service road (numbers 1 to 63) ,
- any road that can only be accessed from the roads listed, or
- Heathwood road (numbers 211, 213, 215 and 217).
Permits are free.
If you are a resident, you can apply for an unlimited number of permits if you own or keep the vehicle at your address.
Business, places of worship and community premises can apply for a limited number of permits on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Apply for a permit
All permits are free and digital. You do not need to display anything in your vehicle.
Digital permits make all information up to date and linked to the CCTV cameras in real time.
This prevents drivers from receiving a fine or PCN in error.
Access for non-permit holders
Local buses, taxis and car club vehicles never need a permit.
During operational hours, drivers without a permit can access the area but cannot drive through the permit gate.
This includes:
- delivery drivers,
- carers,
- social groups, and
- churchgoers.
If you do not have a permit, you can still access the area, but you need to exit it the same way you entered without driving through the permit gate.
Outside of the operational hours, you do not need a permit to drive through the permit gate.
Suspension of no right turn
In 1996 we banned the right turn from Crystal Glen into Heathwood Road to prevent queuing vehicles.
It is expected that the permit gate scheme will reduce the number of vehicles using this junction, so we are trialling the removal of the banned turn. This will make access easier for non-permit holders.
CCTV enforcement
CCTV cameras monitor and enforce permit gates under the Traffic Management Act 2004.
We will only issue warning notices to drivers for the first 14 days of the scheme.
The fine is £70, reduced to £35 if you pay within 21 days. The fine increases after that.
You have a right to appeal if you disagree with the fine.
Consultation process
Before implementing the scheme, we carried out traffic surveys and consulted with the public. 323 people took part and 65% of them supported the scheme.
We had proposed that the permit gate would apply 24 hours a day, everyday. From the feedback we received, we decided to allow access in the evening and on Sundays.
Next steps
We will monitor the impact of the scheme throughout the trial period.
After the trial period, we will consider whether to make the scheme permanent or not.
We will carry out more surveys to see how traffic has changed and will consult with residents and businesses in the area again before making our decision.