DISABLED parking restrictions at Bath Abbey have been paused after a local councillor challenged the decision.

A proposal by Bath & North East Somerset Council (B&NES ) to introduce a three hour time limit on the disabled bays outside Bath Abbey has been paused, following sustained challenge from Lesley Mansell, B&NES councillor for Radstock.

The restriction would have limited how long Blue Badge holders could park in Orange Grove. Disabled residents and campaigners raised concerns that this would reduce accessibility and make visiting the city centre more difficult for people with mobility impairments.

Cllr Mansell submitted formal objections, raised the issue directly with Traffic Management, and escalated a complaint about the lack of meaningful consultation and the weaknesses in the Equality Impact Assessment. She argued that the Council had not fully considered the reasonable adjustments Disabled people require.

She has now been informed that the time limit will not be introduced at this stage.

Cllr Mansell said: “I’m pleased that the restriction has been halted. The Council must now carry out a proper equality analysis so that any future decisions fully consider the needs of Disabled residents.”

She also thanked those who shared their experiences:

“Your voices were crucial in challenging this proposal. Please continue to keep me informed, your experiences help ensure accessibility is treated as a core part of decision making.”

Many residents in Chew Valley have told Cllr Mansell that they rely heavily on Blue Badge parking when travelling into Bath for shopping, appointments, and cultural visits. Cllr Mansell says she has emphasised during talks with the wider council that decisions made in the city centre have a direct impact on the wider area.

To have a say on the topic readers can contact Cllr Mansell at [email protected] or send a letter to the Editor at [email protected]