B&NES Council has shared that their aims to continue improving air quality in Bath are being supported with the start of vehicle emission-based parking charges in council-owned car parks in Bath from 8 September 2023.
Emission-based parking charges will be introduced at the following B&NES Council car parks:
- Avon Street
- Bath Sports & Leisure Centre
- Cattlemarket
- Charlotte Street
- Claverton Street
- Green Park Road
- Kingsmead Square
- Manvers Street
B&NES Council is replacing signage in its car parks to reflect the new charging structure and is advising customers to check this signage when paying for their stays.
The new variable charging structure will only affect motorists with more polluting vehicles, with many drivers not seeing any change in the price they pay.
The price of parking will depend on vehicle emissions, in line with the bands used for DVLA vehicle exercise duty. Drivers of non-diesel vehicles with emissions below 131g/km will not see prices increase. More polluting vehicles, like diesel vehicles, will now pay a higher rate.
Motorists can check their vehicle’s emissions on the Government’s website, but do not need to know their vehicle emissions or engine size when paying for their stay.
The new charges aim to incentivise motorists with more polluting vehicles to use more sustainable alternatives when visiting the city centre, like Park & Ride, and encourage a shift to public transport, walking, wheeling and cycling.
Emission-based parking charges have been introduced at numerous local authorities throughout the country, however Bath & North East Somerset Council are the only local authority continuing to offer its customers a cash payment option, providing payment flexibility and making it easier to pay for stays.
The council is replacing all of its existing car park parking payment terminals in Bath and customers will have the choice to pay via MiPermit, cash or card. Customers will need to input the details of their vehicle registration plate so their charge can be automatically calculated.
The new emission-based charge tariff can be seen on the council’s consultation webpage, and will be published on the council’s parking and travel webpages when they go live.
In a recent public consultation carried out by B&NES Council, more than half of the 1,692 responses voiced concerns about air quality and felt the council should do more to tackle air pollution.
The emission-based charging structure will also be applied to car park season tickets, however existing season ticket holders will not see an increase in price for a 12-month period.
Parking at B&NES Council’s three Park & Ride sites will remain free for those using the bus service, helping to encourage its use and reducing vehicle intrusion into the city. Group discounts and concessions are available.
Foreign registered, or vehicles not registered with the DVLA, will be charged the highest price for the chosen duration. This is to encourage visitors to use sustainable alternatives such as our Park and Ride sites, and those with unregistered vehicles to adhere to the legal requirements.
For further information please contact B&NES Council.