Bath and North East Somerset Council is set to implement a new pricing structure for residents' parking permits, targeting the size of vehicles. This initiative, informally referred to as the “SUV tax,” will see drivers of larger cars face higher parking permit fees, while owners of smaller vehicles will benefit from discounted rates.
The council cabinet member Joel Hirst explained that research indicates larger vehicles, such as SUVs, pose increased risks to pedestrians and cyclists, particularly children. “By introducing size-based permit charges, we are encouraging the use of smaller, safer and cleaner vehicles,” he remarked.
The new charges will come into effect from 25 August. For instance, owners of compact cars like the Smart will receive a £20 annual discount, whereas drivers of larger models such as the Land Rover Discovery or Ford Galaxy will pay approximately £41 more. Those with the largest Ford Transit model will face a surcharge of £112.
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This size-based fee is in addition to the existing emissions-based charges applied to residents' parking permits. When applying, motorists provide their vehicle registration, which is then checked by council systems to determine the pollution level and apply relevant additional fees. For the size-based system, a similar verification will be used. If the council lacks size data for a vehicle, applicants can provide photographic evidence.
Alongside the size-based pricing, the council will raise the general cost of residents’ parking permits by 20% and phase in increases for visitor permits. While resident parking zones cover much of Bath, there remain concerns about displaced parking issues in other city areas.
The surcharge for second vehicles at the same address will be higher than for the first. Notably, parking permits will remain free for blue badge holders.
Additional measures include new parking fees on Weston Road and an increase in charges for Bath’s park and ride facilities for users who do not use the bus service, rising from £3 to £4. Councillor Hirst highlighted the broader goals of these changes, stating, “These changes will help us manage parking in a way that supports road safety, sustainability and fairness for all road users.”