Bath and North East Somerset Council Proposes Tiered Parking Permit System Based on Vehicle Size
Motorists in Bath and North East Somerset could soon face new parking permit charges determined by the size of their vehicles, under fresh proposals from the local authority. The council has issued a warning that residents who own larger cars will be subject to increased permit fees, while those with smaller vehicles may benefit from discounted rates.
Revised Proposals Follow Public Consultation
The scheme, which has been amended following an earlier public consultation, will now be considered by cabinet members Councillor Joel Hirst, who holds the portfolio for Sustainable Transport Strategy, and Councillor Manda Rigby, responsible for Communications and Community. Their decision will determine whether the plans progress to the next stage under the Traffic Regulation Order process.
Councillor Hirst stated: "Thank you to all those who took part in the earlier consultation. We've listened to your feedback and have amended our proposals. We will now carefully consider the recommendations before us for further consultation under the Traffic Regulation Order process."
Targeting All-Day Parking Without Bus Use
Councillor Rigby emphasised that the proposed changes are specifically aimed at individuals who park all day but do not utilise bus services, thereby not contributing to the maintenance of park and ride facilities. She clarified: "I will give careful consideration to the recommendations in the report. The proposals do not affect short-stay parking at our park and rides. This helps dog walkers and sports teams by not raising their charges."
She further explained that the adjustments target those who "are therefore not contributing to the maintenance of the park and ride."
Promoting Safer, Smaller Vehicles and Reducing Obstructions
The primary objective of the size-based charging initiative is to incentivise the ownership of smaller, safer vehicles. These vehicles are associated with a reduced risk of serious accidents and cause fewer obstructions on the region's narrow streets. With SUVs and larger vehicles now constituting over 60% of new car sales in the UK, research indicates they present greater risks to vulnerable road users due to their increased height and significant blind spots.
Structure of the Proposed Charging Scheme
Under the proposed system:
- Smaller vehicles would receive a discount on parking permits.
- Some larger models would incur an additional charge on top of any existing emission-based fees.
- Permits would only be issued to vehicles with a valid MOT certificate, a measure intended to mitigate risks from unsafe or potentially uninsured vehicles.
This approach represents a strategic effort by Bath and North East Somerset Council to align parking policies with broader goals of road safety, urban accessibility, and sustainable transport within the community.
