PARKING charge proposals, including emission-based charges for council car parks and on-street locations in Bath, are being consulted on.

Earlier this year, a review of parking charges across Bath and North East Somerset was agreed upon as part of the council’s budget.

This review aims to reassess and potentially adjust the existing parking fees to better align with the council’s financial and environmental objectives.

The proposals have not gone down well with traders and shoppers in Midsomer Norton, who fear introducing charges to the South Road Car Park could harm footfall.

Now people are being asked to comment on the wider roll-out of the proposals which aim to improve air quality through a major shift to sustainable transport, walking and cycling and incentives to reduce the use of more polluting vehicles.

Under the proposed changes, all parking charges would experience a modest increase over the next two years. In addition to this, the council plans to introduce new parking charges specifically for motorbikes, which previously were not subject to such fees.

This adjustment aims to align motorbike parking with the broader goals of the proposal, including improving air quality and promoting sustainable transportation options.

Emission-based parking charges were introduced in the council’s Bath car parks last year and the council is proposing a wider roll out of the scheme at all its other car parks and on-street pay and display locations in Bath.  

Residents are being asked to have their say in the consultation, which closes at 5pm on August 8. Residents can visit the council’s website. Feedback on the proposal will be reviewed before a final decision on its implementation is made.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport said: “Our review of parking charges across Bath and North East Somerset was agreed in February as part of setting the council’s budget for the coming financial year. We are now asking for people’s comments on the wider roll out of proposed emission-based charges across Bath and North East Somerset

“Our aim is to improve air quality, reduce congestion and encourage other ways to travel across Bath and North East Somerset and these proposals would be another step in the right direction to achieve this.

“We know the effect pollutants from vehicle emissions have, and this is one of a number on policies we’ve implemented to improve air quality.”

A full breakdown of the proposed charges can be seen on the council’s consultation webpage.