Bath & North East Somerset Council is set to become the latest local authority in England to introduce emission-based charging at its car parks.
Ahead of implementation of the new system on 08 September, the council is replacing signage at its car parks to reflect the new charging structure and is advising customers to check the signage when paying for their stays.
According to the council, the new variable charging structure will only affect motorists with more polluting vehicles, with many drivers not seeing any change in the price they pay.
The price of parking will depend on vehicle emissions, in line with the bands used for DVLA vehicle exercise duty.
Drivers of non-diesel vehicles with emissions below 131g/km will not see prices increase. More polluting vehicles, such as diesel vehicles, will pay a higher rate.
The council said the new charges aim to incentivise motorists with more polluting vehicles to use sustainable alternatives when visiting Bath city centre, such as Park & Ride, and encourage a shift to public transport, walking, wheeling and cycling.
Emission-based parking charges have been introduced at numerous local authorities throughout the country, however Bath & North East Somerset Council said it is the only local authority continuing to offer its customers a cash payment option, providing payment flexibility and making it easier to pay for stays.
FREE: Subscribe to the monthly Road User Charging Conference Newsletter – now!
The council is replacing all of its existing car park parking payment terminals in Bath and customers will have the choice to pay via MiPermit, cash or card.
Customers will need to input the details of their vehicle registration plate so their charge can be automatically calculated.
The new emission-based charge tariff can be seen on the council’s consultation webpage, and will be published on its parking and travel webpages.
In a recent public consultation carried out by the council, more than half of the 1,692 responses voiced concerns about air quality and felt the council should do more to tackle air pollution.
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport, Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “Our overall aim is to improve public safety by improving air quality and reducing congestion and I’d like to thank all that took part in the consultation and shared their views with us.
“Introducing these new charges will also support our journey to net zero ambitions, builds on the progress made by the clean air zone.”
The emission-based charging structure will also be applied to car park season tickets, however existing season ticket holders will not see an increase in price for a 12-month period.
Parking at the council’s three Park & Ride sites will remain free for those using the bus service, helping to encourage its use and reducing vehicle intrusion into the city. Group discounts and concessions are available.
Foreign registered, or vehicles not registered with the DVLA, will be charged the highest price for the chosen duration.
According to the council, this is to encourage visitors to use sustainable alternatives such as its Park & Ride sites, and those with unregistered vehicles to adhere to the legal requirements.
Innovations and achievements in road user charging, congestion reduction and air quality will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual CiTTi Awards on 21 November 2023 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table today!
