This communication is intended to clarify reporting arrangements following changes to operational staffing within the Urban Traffic Control Centre (UTC).
As of 3rd October 2026, police officers were withdrawn from the UTC, meaning the Charlie Romeo service is no longer operational.
We are writing to ensure that businesses, partners and stakeholders continue to have clear routes for reporting incidents and concerns following this change.
Cardiff Council is currently developing interim arrangements in response to these changes and will issue further information shortly. Until revised guidance is circulated, businesses, partners and stakeholders should follow the arrangements set out below.
Alongside these interim measures, Cardiff Council will work with key partners, including South Wales Police and FOR Cardiff, to develop proposals for a sustainable long-term approach. This work will seek to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place over the longer term.
Guidance for City Centre Businesses and Partners
Businesses and partner organisations are advised that matters that may previously have been directed to police officers based within the UTC should now be reported directly through standard South Wales Police reporting channels.
For emergencies or incidents requiring an immediate police response
- Call 999 where there is a threat to life, risk of serious harm, a crime in progress, or where urgent police attendance is required.
For non-emergency incidents, intelligence or concerns
- Call 101.
- Report online via the South Wales Police website: South Wales Police Online Reporting.
For CityNet users and city centre partners
- Continue to follow existing CityNet procedures and local partnership arrangements.
- Any request for police attendance or operational police support should be directed through established South Wales Police contact routes, as described above, rather than through the UTC.
- Ongoing situational awareness is supported by Cardiff Central Neighbourhood Policing Officers retaining access to the CityNet radio network.
Partners are encouraged to continue reporting incidents promptly and to share information through established city centre partnership mechanisms to help maintain collective awareness of emerging issues.
Cardiff Council, South Wales Police and FOR Cardiff remain committed to maintaining Cardiff as a safe and welcoming city and will continue to work together to support effective community safety arrangements across the city.
– Cardiff Council / Cyngor Caerdydd