People who live and work in Bath as well as visitors are being urged to shape the future of transport in the city.
A consultation has been launched (today Monday 13 November) asking residents to make big choices and give their views on proposals to speed up bus journeys along St James’s Parade and the Ambury Gyratory as well as changes to better connect cycle routes through the city centre.
Residents are encouraged to have their say on the plans which could help make hopping on two wheels and cycling through the city centre better for all and tackle the biggest cause of delays for buses in Bath - a source of frustration for many locals.
Local people are being asked for views on proposals including introducing bus lanes along Churchill Bridge and St James’ Parade and by making Ambury Gyratory largely two-way, allowing buses to travel directly to and from the bus station.
Other transport ideas locals are being asked for their views on include plans for new and upgraded cycle routes including two-way cycling between Pulteney Bridge and New King Street, plus other plans which together would create a more direct, joined-up cycle network across the city centre.
The idea behind these changes is to help people who can get out of their cars and hopping on two wheels or using the bus - especially for those shorter everyday journeys. However, the consultation is also upfront that some compromises are necessary. Residents should be aware a small number of car parking spaces could be lost (up to a maximum of eight), and some city centre journeys would be less direct by car. Views are sought on these trade-offs but nothing is set in stone.
The plans are part of a wider £540 million programme from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, led by the region’s directly elected Mayor, Dan Norris, to improve public transport across the region.
Residents can take part in the six-week consultation to help shape the plans on the table by visiting www.haveyoursaywest.co.uk
In other Bath transport news, B&NES Council introduced emissions-based parking charges to the city in a bid to improve air quality. This came into affect on September 8th.
See the video below for further information on how to use the new system, or read our article for more on the scheme.