The Environmental Scrutiny Committee of Cardiff Council met on Thursday 14 May 2026 to review progress on the Cardiff Transport White Paper and receive an update on the newly formed Frontline Services directorate. Key discussions included the challenges and successes of implementing the transport vision, the restructuring of frontline services, and the ongoing work of the committee.

Cardiff Transport White Paper - 5-Year Review

The committee received an update on the Cardiff Transport White Paper, a 10-year strategy aiming to shift travel away from private car dependency towards walking, cycling, and public transport. Andrew Gregory, Assistant Director of Planning and Transport, and Jason Dixon, OM Transport Development and Network Management, presented the progress made since the paper's publication in 2020.

Despite the strategy remaining relevant and influential, the delivery of its ambitious targets has been impacted by significant changes, including reduced capital funding from the Welsh Government, which has decreased from £17 million to £5 million annually. This reduction has necessitated a review of the strategy's targets to ensure they remain practical and deliverable.

Significant progress has been made in various areas, including the completion of the Cardiff Central transport interchange and the introduction of 55 electric buses within Cardiff Bus's fleet. The cycle network has seen improvements, with work underway on the cycle looper in the city centre and upcoming enhancements on Castle Street and Tyndall Street. School streets initiatives have also been successful, with 19 now established and potentially six more to come.

However, challenges remain. Councillor Mike Ash-Edwards raised concerns about public understanding of the extensive disruption expected in the city centre due to ongoing infrastructure works, highlighting the need for improved communication. The viability of car clubs was also discussed, with officers noting that past schemes have been heavily subsidised, making commercial viability a significant hurdle. Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones suggested improved lighting on cycleways to encourage their use during dusk and early mornings, and also enquired about vehicle access to the park and ride at Junction 33.

Councillor Bob Derbyshire questioned the lack of significant change in modal split between 2018 and 2025, despite substantial investment in cycling infrastructure. Officers attributed this partly to the increase in people working from home and the need for a complete, connected cycle network rather than isolated routes. Councillor John Lancaster sought an update on previous recommendations regarding east-west transport, bus growth, and the £1 bus scheme. Officers confirmed that an £18 million investment is planned for east-west corridors, and while bus services have faced cuts, discussions are ongoing regarding bus franchising and potential interim concessory fare schemes.

The potential impact of the new Welsh Government administration on transport priorities was also raised, with officers stating it was too early to comment but that they would provide professional advice to ensure alignment with the council's transport strategy. The scale of disruption from infrastructure projects was a significant concern, with officers assuring the committee that extensive traffic modelling and facilitation schemes are in place to manage the impact on residents, businesses, and emergency services.

Frontline Services Update

Graeme Harris, the new Director of Frontline Services, and Joanna Hughes, Operational Manager for Strategy and Business Performance, provided an update on the newly established directorate. This directorate consolidates services such as recycling and neighbourhood services, highways, parks, bereavement services, and the Cardiff Harbour Authority.

Mr. Harris outlined that the directorate is in its early stages of development, with a full review underway to identify gaps, opportunities for cross-directorate working, and to build a cohesive team. Key areas for future scrutiny include recycling performance, the future waste strategy, cleansing services, and the review of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Councillors expressed their support for the new directorate and the potential for improved collaboration between previously separate departments. Councillor Lancaster specifically asked about the focus of the review, with Mr. Harris emphasizing the aim to improve frontline services, ensure value for money, and operate within budgetary constraints. The discussion also touched upon the need for more meaningful KPIs, particularly concerning highway maintenance and the condition of unclassified roads.

The committee welcomed the proactive approach to engaging scrutiny early in the policy development process. Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones wished the new directorate well, acknowledging the significant remit and the direct public interface of these services. Councillor Mike Ash-Edwards highlighted the importance of frontline services in shaping public perception of the council and enquired about the advantages of consolidating these services. Mr. Harris explained that early indications show potential synergies, such as integrating civil parking enforcement with waste collection to address illegally parked vehicles.

Committee Business - Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26

Erica Painter, the Scrutiny Officer, presented the draft pages for the Scrutiny Annual Report 2025/26. The committee reviewed these pages, which detail the committee's membership, purpose, and key achievements over the past year. The report will be considered by the full council in July.

The committee noted the extensive work undertaken throughout the year, including reviews of the Cardiff Transport White Paper, the Bus Reform Bill, the City Parking Plan, and the Cardiff Crossrail scheme. Significant attention was also given to active travel initiatives, waste management and recycling targets, and the development of a new green crematorium proposal. The committee's scrutiny priorities for the upcoming year were also outlined, focusing on waste services, biodiversity, air quality, transport, parking, and renewable energy.

The committee requested more detailed information on the proposed east-west corridors in Cardiff to be included in the letter of observations to the Cabinet Member.