• Swindon & Wiltshire News
• Friday September 8 2023
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Emission-based parking charges introduced to improve air quality in Bath

New emissions-based parking charges come into force in Bath today (Friday).

Drivers of vehicles with higher emissions will have to pay a premium to park in car parks owned by Bath and North East Somerset Council.

Drivers of non-diesel vehicles which emit less than 131g/km of CO2 will only have to pay the standard rate to park, while those who own diesel cars, or petrol models which emit more than 131g/km of CO2, will have to pay an additional fee.

Motorists can check their vehicle’s emissions on the Government website. 

Drivers won’t need to know their engine size or emissions when using a car park. The system will use the car’s number plate to calculate the parking charges.

The new tariffs will see parking charges rise from £1.70 for an hour to up to £2 for petrol cars, depending on emissions. Only drivers of petrol cars with emissions less than 130mg/km will continue to enjoy the £1.70 rate. For diesel drivers, it’s even more – up to £2.50 for an hour for the most polluting cars.

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.

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.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for transport said: “Prices won’t change for a lot of drivers, these new charges will only affect people bringing more polluting vehicles into our city.

“Air pollution currently causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK each year and the consultation responses show residents are concerned about the air quality in Bath, which these changes will help improve.

“Introducing these new charges will also support our Journey to Net Zero ambitions, builds on the progress made by the Clean Air Zone.”

Emission-based parking charges will be introduced at the following car parks:

Avon Street
Bath Sports & Leisure Centre
Cattlemarket
Charlotte Street
Claverton Street
Green Park Road
Kingsmead Square
Manvers Street

Image by Paulina101 from Pixabay