Seven residents’ parking zones to be introduced despite opposition

Seven new residents’ parking zones will be introduced across Bath early next year, although some areas have strongly opposed the proposals in recent consultations.

The aim of the zones is to tackle anti-social driving and commuter parking on residential streets, as well as improve people’s health and the local environment as part of Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Liveable Neighborhoods programme.

The zones are also working towards local authority guidelines aimed at reducing vehicle emissions and congestion, and ensuring those who choose to walk, cycle, scooter or cycle short distances are given “fair consideration.” and a fair street space”.

The new zones will be rolled out next year in the following areas:

• St John’s Road, St Michael’s Road and Hungerford Road
• Chelsea Road and Foxcombe Road area
• Sion Hill and Summerhill Road
• Entry Hill area
• Lyme Gardens and Charmouth Road
• Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road
• Oldfield Park and Westmoreland

A proposed residents’ parking zone for the Beacon Hill area will not be implemented because of the high percentage of residents living in the zone who objected to the amended proposals during the formal TRO consultation.

Despite strong objections in two other areas, these proposed zones will continue to be implemented.

Councilor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “As part of this decision we have listened to local residents, many of whom find it difficult to park close to their homes due to commuter parking.

“Currently, too many motorists use these ‘park and walk’ areas, often circling narrow residential streets, to find free parking before heading into town for the day.

“It’s not something we can promote if we’re serious about congestion, air pollution and our climate emergency. Instead, we want to encourage people to use our local buses, park and ride, or walk, scooter, or bike short distances.

“The seven zones, proposed by local councils on behalf of their communities, are part of the council’s broader livable neighborhoods program.

“We have revised some of the shopping street zones to add more dual use bays to ensure a balance is struck between the needs of residents and local businesses.

“It shows that this type of controlled parking benefits local businesses by ensuring parking spaces are available for shoppers and are not blocked by vehicles that are parked all day, often commuters.

“You will see the zones go in from mid-January. Once up and running we will monitor their impact and would welcome feedback to help us resolve minor issues.

“I recognize that the zoning may have an impact on other areas and I would like to remind people that if there is a significant and permanent movement of vehicles to neighboring areas as a result of the new zoning, they can apply for their own RPZs through local councils comes .”

Preparations for installing five of the seven smaller zones will begin in the new year. This excludes the larger Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road areas, as well as the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland areas, which will be installed later in the year as their size and complexity are better suited to installation during the summer months.

At least a month before expected operating dates, letters will be sent to residents containing information about the zone, how to apply for permits and a work program that could include temporary road closures to remove road markings and put up signage.

For more information see https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/LNRPZ and residents are advised to visit the site regularly to check for service updates at www.bathnes.gov.uk/LNRPZworks.

The introduction of the zones follows consultations earlier this year. Local residents were originally invited to share their views on the proposals during an informal public consultation in May 2022. During a formal consultation in October 2022, there was another opportunity to comment on the revised plans based on this feedback.

After reviewing the applications submitted, the revised plans included a reduction in the size of some of the proposed zones, improvements to signage and road marking proposals, the installation of more dual-use bays to support local businesses, and additional bespoke changes to ensure the proposals work as well as possible for everyone in the community.

Under the new RPN directive, annual permit costs can vary depending on your vehicle’s emissions, but as a guide, an average eight-year-old 1.6-litre petrol or diesel family car would normally cost between £100 and £100 to be approved £125 per year.

Permits for smaller, newer cars would typically be lower. Residents can also purchase visitor badges, regardless of whether they are badge holders themselves.

To manage the cost of permits and ensure money is not wasted when permits are not required, permits can now be purchased with terms of 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

The proposed RPZs and individual yellow lines will operate from 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week, excluding public holidays. Double yellow and disabled parking spaces are always in use unless a sign indicates otherwise.

Permits are limited to two permits per lot. Properties with one off-street parking space are limited to one permit and properties with two off-street parking spaces are not permit-eligible.

Applying for permits through MiPermit will open at least a month before the start of each zone.

For more information on eligibility, the cost of permits (by vehicle emissions) and how to apply, visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/RPZpermits.

Residents who are looking for more information or information in a different format such as plain language, braille or any other language can email [email protected] or call an advisor on 01225394025.

Those who do not have access to the internet can visit BathnesLibraries and information and advice services for support.