Bath & North East Somerset Council is consulting on plans to charge residents more for parking permits if they drive larger vehicles. The proposals also include charging motorists who park all day at the city’s three Park & Ride sites without using the bus service, and requiring a valid MOT for permit eligibility, says The Business Desk.

Small increases to the cost of residents’ parking zone visitors’ permits would be phased in over three years.

Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said:

“The way we manage parking has a direct impact on road safety, fairness, and the council’s ability to maintain essential services. Higher charges for larger vehicles and discounts for smaller ones will encourage more people to use safer, smaller and cleaner vehicles, which will also help improve air quality.”

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for communications and community, added: “We have three brilliant Park & 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.”

Initial public consultation closed in November 2025, with half of respondents supported introducing size-based charges or discounts for residents’ parking permits, while 38% supported increasing the 24-hour parking charge at Park & Ride sites from £3 to £4 for motorists who don’t use the bus service.

(Picture: Mapillary)