B&NES Council announce new residents' parking zones
It follows an extensive consultation with residents earlier this year - with the new zones expected in 2023
Last updated 9th Jun 2024
New parking zones for residents are set to be introduced in Bath next year.
The move follows an extensive public consultation from Bath and North East Somerset Council - with the aim to tackle anti-social driving and commuter parking in residential steets.
The local authority also say it's to help improve peoples' health and local environment, and is in response to their journey to net zero to help tackle the climate and ecological emergencies we currently face across the region, and around the world.
It's all part of B&NES' Liveable Neighbourhoods programme, which are earmarked and developed areas to improve residential areas - and to make them generally better places to be.
These are created and co-develop with their communities to help tackle issues faced by those who live there themselves - and it's why the new parking zones are now going to be put in place in the New Year.
Where the zones will be
The parking zones will make sure there's enough space for people to walk, ride, or scoot around the city, with the additional aim of reducing congestion and emissions.
Most of the zones will start to be installed in the New Year - with the exception of Walcott, Snow Hill and Claremont Road, and Oldfield Park and Westmoreland areas - which will be put into place later in 2023.
The new zones will be in:
- St John's Road, St Michael's Road and Hungerford Road area
- Chelsea Road and Foxcombe Road area
- Sion Hill and Summerhill Road area
- Entry Hill area
- Lyme Gardens and Charmouth Road area
- Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road area
- Oldfield Park and Westmoreland area
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport, said: “As part of making this decision we have listened to residents, many of whom find it challenging to park near their homes because of commuter parking. Currently, too many motorists use these areas to ‘park and stride’, circling often narrow, residential streets to find free parking before heading into the city for the day. This is not something we can encourage if we are serious about tackling congestion, air pollution and our climate emergency. Instead, we want to encourage people to use our local buses, the park and ride sites, or to walk, scoot or cycle short journeys.
“The seven zones, which were proposed by ward councillors on behalf of their communities, are part of the council’s wider Liveable Neighbourhoods programme.
“We have revised some of the zones with shopping streets to include more dual-use bays, ensuring a balance is struck between the needs of residents and local shops. Evidence shows that this type of controlled parking benefits local business by ensuring parking spaces are available for shoppers, and not blocked by vehicles parked for the whole day, often by commuters.
“You will start to see the zones going in from mid-January. Once they are up and running we will monitor their impact and would welcome feedback to help us address any minor issues.
“I recognise the zones may have an impact on other areas and I want to remind people that they can request their own RPZs, via ward councillors, if there is a significant and lasting displacement of vehicles into neighbouring areas as a result of the new zones.”
Letters will be sent about a month before the zones become operational to residents - who were originally consulted in May 2022, before a more formal consultation in October.
How will the zones work?
The cost of an average permit will depend on the emissions of residents' vehicles - with the average petrol or diesel car at 1.6l costing around £100 to £125 per year.
The zones will then operate with single yellow lines between 8am and 6pm, except for bank holidays - with double yellow and disabled parking days operating 24/7,
B&NES Council say properties will have access to two permits - with properties having off-street parking with one space allowed just one permit in the zone. Homes with space for two cars in off-street parking won't be allowed to apply for a permit.
The proposed Beacon Hill permit zone will not go ahead because of the number of objections the Council received against the scheme.
You can find out more about the Liveable Neighbourhoods Programme here.
You can find out about B&NES' Journey to Net Zero plan here.
You can find out more about the new zones here.
You can find out about applying for the permits here.