Bath and North East Somerset Council is considering stepping up enforcement of traffic restrictions, specifically targeting yellow box junctions and illegal turns on one-way streets, to generate additional revenue. The move aims to bring in an extra £250,000 in fines next year as part of broader efforts to balance the council’s budget amid uncertain government funding.
Drivers caught stopping in yellow boxes or making banned turns could face increased penalties starting next year. While this may be inconvenient for motorists, the council stresses that such enforcement improvements will contribute to safer roads for all users. An equalities impact assessment highlighted that cracking down on these traffic violations will promote compliance and enhance road safety.
The council’s budget consultation, open until January 19, includes several other proposals to raise funds or reduce costs. These measures consist of altering recycling centre operating hours, introducing new parking fees, cutting the in-house pest control service, raising park and ride charges, and implementing a nominal fee for the previously free discovery cards.
In conjunction with these changes, the council plans to raise council tax by the maximum allowable rate of 4.99%. Notably, 2 percentage points of this increase will be earmarked specifically for adult social care services.
Addressing the consultation in December, Mark Elliott, Cabinet Member for Resources, acknowledged the financial pressures facing local authorities. “Many councils are facing cutbacks, but we are committed to protecting and investing in essential frontline services, including adult and children’s care, as well as maintaining our roads, cultural offerings, and environmental standards,” he said.
Elliott also criticized the government’s funding formula, which assumes all councils will implement the full 4.99% tax increase. “We believe ministers should prevent any council from facing budget cuts,” he added.
The council remains cautious as it awaits the government’s final funding announcement but has based its budget proposals on the best available forecasts. These measures are intended to ensure a balanced budget when the full settlement is confirmed, with a final decision expected in February.