Date published: 2026-08-20 | Category: Delivering for local residents, Parking and Travel, Roads, travel and transport
New parking charge changes will be rolled out across Bath and North East Somerset from 25 August following public consultations and feedback from residents.
One of the changes being introduced by the council is size-based charges for residents' parking permits, reflecting the increasing range in vehicle sizes on its roads. Larger vehicles take up more road space when parked and can have a greater impact on visibility and safety, with more severe consequences if involved in a collision than smaller vehicles. The changes aim to ensure that those using more of the limited public space available pay more fairly towards its management and the maintenance of public roads.
These changes form part of the council's wider strategic approach to improving road safety, supporting sustainable travel, and making the best use of limited road space. As part of this approach, the council regularly review its’ parking policies and charges to make sure they are effective, fair and line up with local transport priorities.
Some other changes include:
- On-street parking permit charges increased by 20%
- phased increases to the cost of Residents' Parking Zone visitor permits
- the introduction of parking charges on Weston Road in Bath
- 24-hour parking charges at Bath's three Park & Ride sites for motorists not using the service going from £3 to £4 (from 1 October)
More information about the changes can be found on the council's website.
Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, said: “These changes will help us manage parking in a way that supports road safety, sustainability and fairness for all road users. Research shows that larger vehicles like SUVs pose a greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists in collisions, with children particularly vulnerable. By introducing size-based permit charges, we are encouraging the use of smaller, safer and cleaner vehicles. I'd like to thank everyone who took part in the consultations, your feedback has helped shape the final proposals.”
The changes follow consultations on proposed parking charge amendments which considered feedback from residents, businesses and stakeholders before a final decision was made. The council previously withdrew its plans to extend parking charges at Bath Hill East car park in Keynsham to include Saturdays, after feedback from residents and businesses highlighted concerns about impact on local footfall and affordability.
ENDS