One way we are improving local neighbourhoods is by introducing Residents’ Parking Schemes (RPZs).
Following extensive public consultation, six new RPZs have already been introduced in Bath this year and generally welcomed by residents.
Walcot, Snow Hill and Claremont Road went live on 31 July and the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland RPZ goes live on Tuesday 29 August.
As we introduce changes like these it is crucial that we listen to people’s concerns and respond flexibly and imaginatively. For example, after the formal consultation on Oldfield Park and Westmoreland’s zone closed, we received additional requests from the community, including the area’s ward councillors, for more provision for visitors.
To accommodate these requests, we are trialling more short-stay visitor bays in the zone from its launch on 29 August. While the RPZ itself is now permanent, the trial will see an additional 60 dual-use and limited-used bays in place for a minimum of 6 months to see what people think. In the original design, these spaces were reserved for permit holders only.
Dual-use bays can be used by visitors for the time indicated, but also by resident permit holders for an unrestricted period. The bays will be near facilities such as the GP surgery, shops, community and faith groups with maximum stays of up to 2 or 3 hours.
During the 6-month consultation on the trial, residents and visitors to the area are being invited to give their views on the additional visitor bays. All comments will be considered before a decision is made on whether to make the additional visitor bays permanent or revert to the zone’s original design.
You can find out more about the trial and complete a survey at www.bathnes.gov.uk/oldfieldETRO
We have worked closely with local people to ensure parking in the area is allocated fairly and proportionately. We need to prioritise residents but also ensure visitors can continue to support local businesses and organisations.
Permits are also available for tradespeople and care professionals to service the community. Blue badge holders can park in any permit holder bay for as long as they require across Bath and North East Somerset. Dedicated disabled bays are also provided.
The RPZ and single yellow lines will operate between 8am and 6pm, 7 days a week, not including bank holidays. Double yellow and disabled parking bays operate at all times, unless a sign indicates otherwise.
The annual cost of permits can vary depending on a vehicle’s emissions but, as a guide, a permit for an average eight-year-old 1.6L petrol or diesel family car would normally cost in the range of £100 to £125 per year. Permits for smaller, newer cars are typically less. Permits are available in durations of 1,3,6 and 12 months.
Permits are limited to two per property. Properties with one off-street parking space are limited to one permit, and properties with two off-street spaces are not eligible for permits. Residents can also purchase visitor permits regardless of whether they hold a permit themselves.
You can apply for a permit via MiPermit. More information is available at www.bathnes.gov.uk/RPZpermits or you can visit any One Stop Shop for further information or help.
Councillor David Wood
Deputy Council Leader, Bath & North East Somerset Council
