Residents responding to Bath’s proposed new transport strategy have backed its overall direction, while also calling for faster progress on buses, road safety and reducing reliance on cars.
Traffic on Wellsway in Bath
Feedback gathered on the Movement Strategy for Bath showed support for a long-term approach aimed at creating cleaner, safer and more sustainable ways of getting around the city.
The 10-year plan is intended to address Bath’s transport network and sits alongside the council’s wider work on transport, climate and placemaking.
The six-week engagement exercise took place during October and November 2025 and generated 842 responses. More than 500 people attended events linked to the consultation, while nearly 16,000 visited the webpage to find out more.
According to the council, 63% of respondents supported the overall direction of the strategy, while 19% said they did not support the proposals.
Among the clearest messages from the feedback was a call for better bus infrastructure, safer streets and meaningful alternatives to car dependency.
Residents also backed measures aimed at improving travel to school through schemes such as School Streets, as well as safer traffic speeds and better provision for coach travel.
The strategy has been developed against the backdrop of Bath’s congestion and environmental challenges. The council said Bath is currently ranked as the fifth most congested urban area in the UK according to INRIX.
The proposed strategy includes measures aimed at tackling congestion, improving air quality and supporting the local economy, with further emphasis on public transport, walking, wheeling, cycling and electric vehicle infrastructure.
Councillor Joel Hirst, cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “I want to thank everyone who took the time to get involved, by attending one of our events or answering the survey.
“The high level of engagement shows just how important transport is in our city. The strong support for our overall direction gives us real confidence – but residents are also clear in telling us that there is more work to do.
“Residents want better buses, safer streets, and real alternatives to car dependency, and this feedback will directly shape the next stage of the strategy.”
