City considers parking charges based on car size

A council is considering parking charges based on vehicle size in a bid to encourage sustainable travel.

Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering changes to parking charges, including fees based on vehicle size, requiring a valid MoT for permits, an increase in the cost of visitor permits, and changes at its park and ride sites.

A public consultation is open until 18 June on the council's website. The council has said it will consider the feedback to this proposal before deciding about whether to implement the changes.

Councillor Joel Hirs said: "The way we manage parking has a direct impact on road safety, fairness, and the council's ability to maintain essential services."

The council is also currently consulting on the introduction of parking charges on Weston Road in Bath, changes to permit parking in Monmouth Street to support Avon and Somerset Police moving into Bath city centre, and some operational changes to council car parks.

The council carried out an initial public consultation on its proposals, which closed in November 2025.

Feedback showed 50% of respondents supported introducing size‑based charges or discounts for residents' parking permits, and 38% of respondents supported increasing the 24-hour parking charge at park and ride sites from £3 to £4 for motorists who do not use the bus service.

Residents can now comment on the council's revised plans for the parking charges, which it said has taken earlier feedback into account.

Councillor Manda Rigby said: "We have three brilliant park and ride sites that run fast, regular and convenient services into the city and provide free parking for those using the service.

"One of our proposed changes is to increase the cost of 24-hour parking at these sites for motorists not using the service and want to hear your views."

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