Full List of Ways Stunning UK City Plans to Cut Car Congestion

Bath is embarking on an ambitious transformation of its transport network over the next decade with the launch of the Movement Strategy for Bath. This comprehensive plan aims to revolutionize how people and goods move around the city, support sustainable travel choices, and create vibrant, accessible public spaces for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

Currently, transport accounts for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in Bath and North East Somerset, and Bath ranks as the fifth most congested urban area in the UK. With anticipated population and visitor growth over the next 10 years, daily trips are projected to increase by 21,000 (a 7% rise) if no action is taken. Congestion costs the wider West of England region approximately £800,000 daily in lost productivity, longer travel times, and decreased reliability.

To tackle these challenges, the Movement Strategy outlines 15 targeted measures designed to enhance sustainable travel, reduce congestion, and improve air quality. Key initiatives include:

Implementing 20mph speed limits on select city centre roads to boost safety and encourage walking, wheeling, and cycling.
Upgrading major public spaces such as Queen Square, Milsom Quarter, Parade Gardens, and the Bath Riverline to make them more welcoming and accessible.
Deploying community-led interventions in residential streets to promote active travel and safer environments.
Integrating greenery and planting into street improvements to enhance biodiversity and support climate resilience.
Establishing bus lanes and priority routes on major entryways into Bath to improve bus reliability and journey times.
Delivering the Active Travel Masterplan, creating safer, more connected routes for pedestrians and cyclists citywide.
Enhancing Park & Ride facilities through a new Interchange Plan to facilitate seamless mode shifts at city edges.
Expanding Resident Parking Zones and developing a comprehensive Parking Strategy to reduce car dependency.
Crafting a Coach Strategy to support tourism and events such as Bath Rugby matches and the Christmas Market.
Improving signage and wayfinding to better guide motorists and promote walking and cycling options.
Developing a Freight Consolidation Strategy to limit heavy goods vehicle traffic on unsuitable streets.
Exploring further phases of the Clean Air Zone to reduce vehicle emissions across the city.
Considering a workplace parking levy as an incentive for sustainable commuting.
Partnering with employers, universities, and schools to encourage greener travel plans and cleaner journeys for pupils.

Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, emphasized, “Bath is a unique and vibrant city, but our transport network faces significant challenges—from congestion and air quality to accessibility and climate change. Our Movement Strategy is our blueprint for a fairer, greener, and more connected future.”

He added, “This strategy is about making it easier and safer for everyone to walk, cycle, and use public transport, while enhancing our streets and public spaces. We invite residents, businesses, and visitors to have their say during this consultation to help shape Bath’s transport future.”

The plan envisions a city where movement is effortless, safe, and sustainable by 2035, with faster, more frequent bus services, reduced general traffic, and streets better suited for active travel. The council aims to deliver short-term improvements by 2027, with continued progress toward longer-term goals through 2035.

To support public engagement, a series of drop-in events will be held across Bath, offering residents, businesses, and visitors opportunities to learn more and provide feedback. The consultation is open until Friday, 28 November. Interested parties can view the full Movement Strategy and submit their feedback at www.banestransport.co.uk. Hard copies of the strategy and questionnaire are also available at Bath libraries.