NEW emissions-based parking charges and prices increases have been introduced at council-owned car parks in Keynsham, Saltford and Bath.
But Bath & North East Somerset Council has scrapped its plans to introduce parking charges for motorbikes and scooters in the district.
Members of the Motorcycle Action Group had warned that the charges would be “disproportionate” and would see them pay more to park than some more polluting cars.
But the council plans to look at charging motorbikes through a separate consultation in future.
It has also watered down its plans to end free parking in Midsomer Norton and Radstock following public feedback. Charges will come into force in January 2025 but will be lower than originally proposed, and people will be able to park for free for two hours.
Under the new emissions charges, the cost of parking for up to two hours in Keynsham ranges from 80p for the least polluting vehicle to £1.30 for the most polluting.
Pay-and-display machines will look up a vehicle’s emissions from the DVLA and charge based on how much carbon is emitted or, if this information is not available, the capacity of the engine.
Emissions-based parking was first introduced in car parks in Bath in September 2023, intending to tackle air quality issues in the city.
A total of 4,322 people responded to the council’s consultation on the parking charges, as well as two signed petitions. Eighty per cent of respondents said they were opposed to rolling out emissions-based parking charges to all council paid-for parking.
Other proposals faced less opposition. Only 55% of people said they were opposed to motorbikes being charged to park, while 22% were in favour of the move.
A total of 77% of respondents expressed concerns about air quality and its impact on health, while 58% felt it important to tackle and improve air quality.
Manda Rigby, the council’s cabinet member for highways added: “Air quality in Bath and North East Somerset is improving. We know it’s a concern for people living here and the changes we’re making to parking charges is another step to improve further.
“While targets and legal levels exist for air pollution, there is no safe limit. We want to reduce congestion, change behaviours and encourage more sustainable ways to travel.”
All emission-based charge tariffs are being published on the council’s parking and travel webpages after they go live.
Signage has been updated where required to reflect the new charging structure and the council is advising customers to check this signage when paying for their stays.
In Keynsham, the 30 minutes’ free parking in dedicated bays will remain. Parking at the council’s three Park & Ride sites will remain free for those using the bus service.
Pictured, a sign showing the new emissions-based charges at Bath Hill East car park in Keynsham
Polluting cars pay more to park in Keynsham
