The Environmental Scrutiny Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday 13 June 2024 to discuss key issues, including event day traffic management and the directorate delivery plan for planning, transport, and environment. The committee heard from various stakeholders and made several observations and recommendations.

Event Day Traffic Management

The committee welcomed Alex Corsi from Adventure Travel, Georgina Wills, and Marie Daly from Transport for Wales. The discussion focused on the challenges and successes of managing traffic during major events in Cardiff.

Marie Daly highlighted the significant investment in new fleet and infrastructure, including an £800 million investment in new trains, which has increased capacity by 50%. She emphasized the importance of partnerships with venues like Principality Stadium and Cardiff City Stadium, and the collaborative efforts with Cardiff Council to improve event day operations.

Marie Daly also mentioned the unique approach of using volunteers from within Transport for Wales to manage crowds, which has been beneficial for customer service. She acknowledged the challenges posed by the infrastructure at Cardiff Central Station, particularly during disruptions.

Alex Corsi from Adventure Travel discussed the difficulties faced by bus operators due to road closures during major events. He stressed the need for consistent frameworks and advanced notice to plan effectively. He also suggested the potential for a dedicated hub for cross-city services, possibly at Callaghan Square.

Councillor Green raised questions about the financial implications of event day operations for Transport for Wales, to which Marie Daly responded that while these events bring in more revenue, the costs associated with managing them are also significant.

Directorate Delivery Plan for Planning, Transport, and Environment

The committee then discussed the directorate delivery plan for planning, transport, and environment with Councillor Dan De’Ath, Andrew Gregory, and Claire Moggridge. The plan outlines the steps, milestones, and key performance indicators for the 2024-25 financial year.

Andrew Gregory provided an overview of major projects, including the Crossrail phase one, the new bus station, and the local development plan review. He highlighted the challenges posed by financial constraints and the importance of staff wellbeing.

Councillor Lloyd-Jones raised questions about the solar farm project, to which Andrew Gregory responded that phase one has been successful and there are plans for a phase two. Councillor Lancaster inquired about the new head of climate emergency response and the resourcing of the team. Andrew Gregory assured that the team is adequately resourced and focused on delivering impactful projects.

Councillor Parry asked about the progress of the coastal flooding plan, and Andrew Gregory confirmed that work is currently on site. Councillor Green inquired about the benefits of the canal quarter project and the plans for phase two. Andrew Gregory explained that phase two would extend the water feature and create more green spaces.

The committee also discussed the importance of having a costed plan for the ambitious projects outlined in the delivery plan. Andrew Gregory emphasized the need for external funding and the importance of having a cohesive strategy to secure it.

Additional Discussions

The committee also touched on the condition of roads in Cardiff, with concerns raised about the accuracy of KPIs and the need for more funding to maintain the road network. Councillor Carr asked about the involvement of different community interest groups in the planning process, and Andrew Gregory highlighted the importance of social value components in major projects.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on how the committee can support the work of the directorate going forward.

For more details, you can refer to the public reports pack and the printed minutes of the meeting.