BATH and North East Somerset Council is asking residents to share their views on a range of proposed parking charge changes around the city.
The proposals are designed to encourage visitors who travel into the city by car to consider more sustainable travel options helping residents parking close to their homes.
The proposed changes have been widely criticised by Labour Radstock councillor on B&NES Lesley Mansell who says they fail to acknowledge the disproportionate impact on residents who live outside Bath, particularly those in Radstock, Westfield and the wider Somer Valley.
She said: “These proposals may work for Bath city centre, but they overlook the reality for Radstock and the Somer Valley. Thousands of residents commute daily because public transport is limited or unreliable.
“Extending charging hours to 10pm and increasing Pay and Display costs will hit people who have no realistic alternative to driving.”
Radstock has one of the highest levels of ‘out commuting’ in the district, the councillor says. Shift workers, low-income households and families with older vehicles will be particularly affected by higher emissions-based charges and new Pay and Display zones.
Changes out to consultation include altering emissions-based parking charges for permits and Pay and Display parking, increasing on-street Pay and Display charges over a three-year period, the introduction of Pay and Display parking at some currently unrestricted on-street locations close to Bath city centre and extending the operating hours of residents' parking zones and on-street Pay and Display parking in Bath to 10pm.
The introduction of seasonal parking charges in council car parks in Bath during Bath Christmas Market is also on the table as well as reserved parking space charge increases in residential off-street car parks. Revised parking charges for Bath Christmas Market would be weekends only and would not come into effect this year.
Cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, Cllr Joel Hirst, said: “Residents tell us that they want cleaner, safer and more sustainable transport options.
“63 percent of respondents to our movement strategy told us that these are priorities and they also supported safer school travel through projects like School Streets, improved coach travel and safer traffic speeds across the city.
“To support more sustainable travel options, we have to make the best use of the limited space we have on our streets, while ensuring that our parking policies and charges remain fair and effective for people who need to use a car.
“We want to know what residents think about the changes we are proposing and all the feedback we get will help inform any decisions we make.”
The council said feedback received from the public consultation will help inform the budget-setting process and decisions on whether to progress the proposals, which would come into effect in 2027/28.
Feedback from previous consultations has led to the council withdrawing proposed changes, including extending parking charges at Bath Hill East car park in Keynsham to include Saturdays and also to introduce emission-based parking charges for motorbikes.
The consultation is open now until 5pm, November 3.