Residents in Bath have expressed strong opposition to proposed new residents' parking zones (RPZs) in Lambridge and an extension of existing zones into the Grosvenor Place area. Bath & North East Somerset Council conducted consultations last autumn following requests from local residents seeking solutions to parking concerns.
The consultation reached around 2,000 properties, with 739 responses for the Lambridge RPZ proposal. Of those, 79% opposed the plan, while only 16% supported it. Support was slightly higher among residents currently living in the affected zone, at 23%. Key worries raised included the cost of parking permits, restrictions on visitor parking, the impact on local shops and businesses, and potential displacement of vehicles to surrounding streets.
The Grosvenor Place extension consultation drew 118 responses, with 61% opposed and 33% in favour. Similarly, concerns focused on permit costs, visitor access limitations, the proposed RPZ boundaries, and vehicle displacement issues.
Supporters of the proposals highlighted problems with commuter parking, traffic congestion, difficulties finding parking near homes, problematic driving behaviours, and poor air quality as reasons for introducing the zones.
Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, thanked everyone for participating and emphasized that the council will carefully consider all feedback before making any decisions. He noted the importance of balancing parking needs for residents, businesses, visitors, carers, and tradespeople alike. The council plans to conduct further detailed analysis, including reviewing parking pressures and patterns, as requested by local ward councillors, to ensure streets remain safe, accessible, and people-friendly.