Cardiff's Castle Street will officially reopen to all traffic in the autumn
Video report by ITV Wales reporter Mike Griffiths
One of Cardiff's main roads is officially set to reopen to general traffic after being pedestrianised during the pandemic.
Castle Street closed to all motor vehicles and was transformed into an alfresco dining area to help hospitality venues serve customers outside.
But all private vehicles will return from the autumn following a council cabinet meeting on Thursday.
It came after 34% of more than 6,200 people who took part in a consultation voted to keep general traffic off Castle Street.
The decision to fully reopen the road sparked a protest, with Red Rebel activists leading a procession from Castle Street to City Hall to demonstrate their opposition.
After banning all vehicles, buses and taxis were allowed to return to Castle Street in autumn last year.
Cardiff Council said it will be ready to reopen as soon as "necessary road works, road markings, and signage have been put in place".
More than 6,227 people took part in the consultation to give their thoughts on the future of Castle Street.
However, when traffic returns, Castle Street will be limited to one lane in order to meet pollution requirements.
The two-way cycleway and the dedicated bus lane will remain.
Cllr Caro Wild, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: "Congestion and air-quality levels remain a major concern for residents.
"Whilst air quality is generally improving across the city, we share concerns that localised traffic congestion can cause issues in central residential areas.
"This is something we want to get more data about especially as things begin to return to normal and traffic numbers increase.
"I don't think any of us want to return to a traffic-congested city any time soon, which is why, we are committed to investing in walking and cycling routes and in cleaner, quicker and easily accessible public transport options.
"We are also committed to our plans for the South Wales Metro and looking into ways to fund new routes and stations, including continuing our feasibility work around road user charging."
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