News
Travel and parking guide for Wales vs Italy rugby clash in Cardiff
CARDIFF is bracing for an influx of rugby fans as Wales prepares to face Italy at the Principality Stadium on Saturday, 16 March. The highly anticipated match, set to kick off at 2.15 pm, has prompted a series of travel advisories and road closure announcements to facilitate the smooth flow of spectators and ensure safety.
Authorities have announced a full city centre road closure effective from 10.15 am to 6.15 pm on match day. This measure aims to accommodate the safe passage of ticket holders to and from the stadium. Consequently, the M4 motorway is expected to experience heavy traffic. Attendees are advised to plan their journeys in advance and consider using the designated park and ride facility at the former Toys R Us site car park in the Sports Village to avoid congestion in Cardiff.
Gates to the stadium will open at 12 pm, allowing fans ample time to find their seats before kick-off. Stadium management urges visitors to familiarise themselves with the list of prohibited items, particularly the bag policy which restricts large bags, to ensure a smooth entry process.
Key Road Closures:
- Early Closures: Scott Road and Park Street will be inaccessible from 7 am due to preparations at Gate 5.
- City Centre: A comprehensive list of road closures includes Kingsway, Cowbridge Road East, Tudor Street, Plantagenet Street, Beauchamp Street, and several others in their entirety. These measures will ensure pedestrian safety and ease access to the stadium.
- Bus Routes: Station Terrace and Guildford Street will be reserved for bus access, while Penarth Road will close temporarily post-match to aid train passengers.
Parking and Transport:
- Park & Ride: Located at Cardiff Bay’s Toys R Us, with a £12 charge. The service starts at 9 am, with the last bus leaving the city centre at 8.30 pm.
- Event Day Parking: Options include the Civic Centre and Sophia Gardens, with charges applicable for cars and coaches. Advance planning is recommended due to expected high demand.
- Public Transport: Transport for Wales plans to enhance service capacity, but passengers should anticipate busy conditions and plan for additional travel time. Real-time updates can be found on the Transport for Wales website or app.
Alternative Travel Options:
- Cycling and Walking: With a significant number of local trips being under 5km, cycling or walking presents a faster and healthier alternative to car travel during congested periods.
- Bus Diversions: Local bus services will be rerouted due to the road closures. Passengers are advised to consult their respective bus operator’s website for specific route changes.
Additional Information:
- Taxis: The St Mary Street taxi rank will be temporarily closed from 10.15 am to 6.15 pm.
- Disabled Parking: Recommended at Sophia Gardens, with additional options available at various private car parks.
- Shopping Parking: City centre car parks will remain accessible, including those at North Road, St David’s Shopping Centre, and others.
Spectators are encouraged to review all travel advisories and make necessary arrangements well in advance to enjoy a hassle-free experience at one of the most awaited rugby matches of the season.
Community
Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity
THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.
Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.
The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.
Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.
Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.
(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)
Business
Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure
PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.
The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.
The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.
A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”
Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.
Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.
From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.
Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.
(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)
Community
Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend
ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.
In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”
Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.
Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.
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