Before making a final decision on a permanent scheme for Castle Street, Cardiff Council is consulting with the public to help them choose between one of two options. Here we explore the difference between the two proposed changes and explain which option we're backing. The consultation is open until 10 May 2021.
Consultation is open for Cardiff Castle Street
Cardiff Council is consulting the public to help them choose a permanent scheme for Castle Street.
Over the last couple of years, we have seen some major changes in the infrastructure of our capital city.
These changes have included:
- cycle lanes on North Road
- the greening of the street on Wellfield Road
- a separated cycle lane along Newport Road
- and of course, the temporary closure of Castle Street to traffic.
Have your say on the future of Cardiff's Castle Street
Before making a final decision on a permanent scheme for Castle Street, the council are consulting with the public to help them choose between one of two options.
The consultation is open until 10 May 2021.
Find out more about the consultation and have your say today.
Choose between two options in the consultation
Option 1
Two lanes of traffic on the street, as well as a westbound bus lane.
This would include the widening of footways and a two-way cycle lane, and also the reopening of the street to private vehicle traffic.
This would essentially mean a return to business-as-usual with one bus lane being replaced by a two-way cycle lane.
Option 2
Open the space for people and ban private vehicles from the street.
It would see a remodelling of the lanes to create a bus and taxi lane in both directions.
This would bring an increased benefit for air quality and active travel compared to option 1.
There would also be a two-way cycle lane, footways would be wider on both sides and there would be significantly less traffic. Deliveries would be permitted at specific times.
What does Sustrans think about the Castle Street consultation?
Cardiff citizens and visitors deserve a liveable town centre.
Sustrans Cymru is advocating for the implementation of the second option.
This is because this option will create a genuine shift in the way we travel across the city.
Why we're backing option two
The second option proposed in the consultation will help create a liveable space for people and have a long-term impact on climate change targets.
Until the closure of Castle Street in June 2020, the car was king on Castle Street.
Pollution levels exceed WHO limits.
The space around the castle was traffic-jammed, difficult to cross and dangerous to cycle on.
Since the temporary measures were put in place, the road has been opened to people, putting pedestrians and cyclists first.
Not only does the whole area seem like it is breathing again, but the changes have also made it a liveable space.
Achieving net-zero by 2050 will require us to be as ambitious as possible
Cardiff Council has committed to becoming a Carbon Neutral City by 2030.
Cars are the biggest contributor to NOx levels in Cardiff.
The council should seek to be as radical as possible about reducing emissions and improving the health and wellbeing of citizens and visitors.
This is why Sustrans Cymru are advocating for the implementation of option two.
We must act now to reduce air pollution in the city
Both scheme options have been modelled to examine their effects on Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx) levels.
Whilst they both provide NOx levels within the legal limits, option two would halve the NOx levels on the street itself and in the wider city.
Both proposed options will be an improvement on the pre-2020 Castle Street.
However ultimately, the fewer motor vehicles on Castle Street, the more liveable the area will be.
And less NOx will be released into our air.
Choosing option two would create a genuine shift in the way we travel across the city.
It will create a more liveable space for people and a long-term impact on climate change targets.
Have your say and respond to the consultation before 10 May 2021.
