Members agreed to go ahead with the controversial ’Ring of Steel’ proposals, which the Tories say is just another ’anti-motoring movement’ .
With approval from Cabinet, the process can now start whereby access to the city centre will be restricted 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week for 365 days-a-year. New reinforced bollards and anti-terror street furniture will also be erected at numerous places in the city centre.
Conservatives say these measures are ’unnecessary’ and will leave city centre residents unable to park their cars outside their properties, receive deliveries to their doors or be dropped off at their doorsteps by taxis late at night.
Some of the more controversial proposals have been tweaked to allow a degree of access for Blue Badge holders. But these changes, the B&NES Conservative Group says, do not go far enough and will severely restrict the freedoms of residents.
Cllr Karen Warrington, Conservative Councillor for the Chew Valley on Bath and North East Somerset Council, said: “The people of Bath will have woken up this morning in a city they no longer recognise. When these regulations come into force, this administration will have turned a once welcoming and vibrant city centre into a no-go zone for residents.
“The concessions the administration has made to Blue Badge holders do not go far enough and they have given themselves the power to remove these concessions whenever they see fit.
“Let me be clear – the Liberal Democrats are using the threat of terrorism to further their anti-motoring agenda. This is reckless, cynical and underhand in the extreme.”
Vehicle access will be restricted in identified city centre streets between 10 am and 6 pm, with access and parking being maintained for Blue Badge holders in Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Saw Close and Upper Borough Walls.
Members of the public will now have a chance to comment on the Traffic Regulation Orders for the roads when they are published.
The Cabinet member for Transport, Cllr Manda Rigby, said: “These updated proposals represent a proportionate balance between protecting those who live, work and visit our city, whilst ensuring access for disabled people, city centre residents and businesses as well.
“This is not the original proposed 24/7 closure. On the risk continuum, looking at the latest figures for footfall, this seems to be the right response. We have worked closely with the Police and they have approved this approach.
“A consultation went out at the start of the year, and the new scheme is as a result of listening to the results of that consultation as well as a specialist accessibility report we commissioned.
“Further work will now go ahead on Traffic Regulation Orders and we will work with Councillors and stakeholders on an operational plan to ensure the most workable procedures, whilst not allowing unfettered access by unknown vehicles, which would compromise security.
“Our top priority is to protect people in the city centre. I am confident that we are in the sweet spot on the continuum between closing the city to all at all times, which would be the most secure option, and having no precautions at all, which would give the most accessibility.”
B&NES Member Advocate for Accessibility, Councillor Sarah Moore, commented: “I’m very pleased that this proportionate approach has been taken. A consultation was held, and the Cabinet has listened to the responses from the public as well as considering the results of the independent Accessibility Study. The proposals have been adjusted, based on this feedback, to ensure that Blue Badge holders will have access to the centre of our city.
“I also welcome the provision of additional improvements to assist disabled people more widely, including additional Blue Badge parking bays, accessible parklets for extra seating, dropped kerbs and footway surface improvements.”