Bath Parking Charges to Include Motorbikes for the First Time

Parking charges in Bath are set to see a 10p per hour increase, with the new proposals aiming to include motorbikes for the first time. The baseline hourly charge for council car parks in Bath, which is currently based on vehicle emissions, is expected to be raised by 10p in October 2024 and October 2025. Vehicles with higher emissions will see a 2.5% or 5% increase based on polluting bands and engine capacity.

Under the proposed changes, motorbikes would now also have to pay for parking in the city, a privilege that was previously free. The charges for motorbikes will also be based on emissions, prompting concerns that even small 50cc mopeds could end up paying as much as larger, older cars. The charges will be determined by the vehicle’s emissions data from the DVLA, or by the engine’s capacity if such information is not available.

One particular concern raised is that under the proposals, a motorbike with less than 151cc would be charged the same amount as a car with less than 1550cc. This has sparked worry among some, such as motorcyclist Shaun Hughes, who fears that young individuals using small scooters for purposes like commuting to Bath for college or work could end up paying hefty amounts for parking on a daily and monthly basis.

The decision to include motorbikes in the parking charges is being discussed as part of an upcoming consultation, which will also address the expansion of emissions-based charging to all council managed paid parking locations, including on-street parking in Bath and currently free car parks in Midsomer Norton and Radstock.

Manda Rigby, the cabinet member for highways, emphasized that the rationale behind emissions-based parking is to make the polluter pay. She stressed that traffic-related air pollution is a significant contributor to air quality issues and has a substantial impact on the health of vulnerable individuals. Emissions-based parking was first introduced in Bath in September 2023, and the upcoming consultation will seek public input on the fairness and feasibility of including motorbikes in the new charging scheme.