The £2 congestion charge in Cardiff is being investigated and deliberated by Cardiff Council, but with Penarth's proximity to the city centre being so close, it is important to consider the impact of this proposal locally.

Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan councils officially announced a climate emergency last year and so it came as no surprise that traffic, congestion and transport would be important considerations in 2020.

The White paper acknowledges the issues that Penarth has faced with public transport in the run-up to the white paper release. It said: ''The Penarth Cardiff corridor is critical for access from the Vale of Glamorgan but suffers from high levels of congestion and unreliable transport services.''

A number of options for improving active and sustainable travel provision are being developed and reviewed:

• A pilot electric bicycle scheme,

• Interchange facilities at Cogan Station,

• Penarth Headland Link for active travel,

• Cardiff, Barrage bus link to deliver quicker and more reliable bus

services which will help encourage modal shift.

The highly anticipated South Wales Metro service would also have an impact on Penarth's train system.

New heavy rail tri-mode trains (able to switch between diesel, battery and electric modes) are going to be added to lines, which can be powered by overhead electrification, on-board batteries or diesel engines.

These trains will operate from Caerphilly (6 trains per hour) and Coryton (2tph). Services will operate through Cardiff Central to the Vale of Glamorgan Line and destinations to Penarth and Bridgend.

This should add an extra train service every hour when fully functioning.

Park and Ride is another key consideration for Penarth as services like this become more popular when congestion charges are implemented.

Two exist in the local area: Cogan and Penarth. Together, they currently only provide 72 spaces. This service could be stretched if more people wanted to use the spaces.

The interchange developments at Cogan station would go some way in tackling this as discussions over increasing Park and Ride facilities fall under this.

Namely, residents worry about the current services provided by local public transport.

Transport For Wales face regular complaints about delays and cancellations to services in and around Penarth.

It will be an important discussion about whether the improvements to public transport will come before or after the congestion charge would be implemented.

Stephen Doughty, the MP for Cardiff South and Penarth, addressed residents on Facebook. He said: ''A £2bn transport vision designed to transform Cardiff and South East Wales' transport network has been unveiled by Cardiff Council.

''Cardiff Council's Transport White Paper, which lays out an ambitious 10-year plan to tackle the climate emergency, reduce congestion and improve air quality in the Welsh capital, was launched this week following consultation with thousands of city residents, health and transport experts.

''I would be interested in your views, as I am sure your local Councillors will be.''

Congestion charges have worked very successfully across the UK and have often reduced the pressures of cars in city centres.

In 2006, Transport for London (TfL) reported that the charge reduced traffic by 15% and congestion by 30%.

The £2 a day Cardiff city centre charge, that was outlined as a proposal on the 15th of January, has been discussed for a number of years by various political parties.

However, prior to this announcement parties had been nervous to acknowledge it as a policy.

The discussions are in their very early stages and Penarth Nub News will provide updates as they are announced.

Click the red button below for a link to the full white paper report.