• Swindon & Wiltshire Motors
• Wednesday August 26 2026

Bath rolls out bigger parking charges for larger vehicles

Bath has introduced a new residents’ parking permit system that charges owners of larger vehicles more, as the council seeks to tackle pressure on limited road space and encourage cleaner, smaller cars.

The size-based charges came into force on 25 August under changes approved by Bath and North East Somerset Council. Vehicle costs are calculated according to their footprint—the length multiplied by width—with cars placed into 11 charging bands.

Owners of the smallest vehicles will receive a discount on their first permit. A Smart Fortwo, for example, qualifies for a £20 reduction, while vehicles measuring between 5.01 and seven square metres receive a £10 discount.

At the other end of the scale, owners of large vans and other vehicles measuring more than 14 square metres face a maximum supplement of £112.08 for a first permit. The charge rises to £308.22 for a second permit at the same address.

The new size levy comes on top of a general 20 per cent increase in on-street parking permit charges and existing emissions-based fees. Large diesel vehicles could therefore face a double increase under the revised system.

Councillor Joel Hirst, the council’s cabinet member for sustainable transport strategy, said: “These changes will help us manage parking in a way that supports road safety, sustainability and fairness for all road users.

“Research shows that larger vehicles like SUVs pose a greater risk to pedestrians and cyclists in collisions, with children particularly vulnerable.

“By introducing size-based permit charges, we are encouraging the use of smaller, safer and cleaner vehicles. I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultations, your feedback has helped shape the final proposals.”

Visitor permits will also become more expensive through phased increases, while parking at Bath’s Park and Ride sites for drivers who do not use the bus is due to rise from £3 to £4 for 24 hours from 1 October.

Blue Badge holders living in residents’ parking zones remain exempt from the size-based permit charge.

Image by Winston Tjia at Unsplash