Residential parking permits revenue has surpassed £4 million in Bath and North East Somerset (BANES) since 2020, with a rise in collections each year. A freedom of information request by used-car retailer cinch [sic] uncovered that the council has collected £4,072,335 from parking permits since 2020. The revenue trend exhibited an increase from £639,168 in 2020 to £1,067,043 last year.
The council introduced residents parking zones as a response to public feedback, effectively addressing issues of anti-social driving and commuter parking. However, concerns have been raised about the escalating costs of permits across the UK, especially for multi-car households, with second and third permits being up to four times more expensive than the first one in some areas.
The funds generated from residential parking permits are allocated exclusively for parking-related needs. The number of residential parking permits has grown significantly by 157% in the last five years, tallying 16,786 permits in 2024. The cost of permits is contingent on the vehicle’s environmental impact, with blue badge holders being eligible for a free permit within their local residential zone.
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Councillor Manda Rigby commended the benefits of the residents parking zones, emphasizing the positive impact on curbing anti-social driving and commuter parking while aligning with broader council policies aimed at reducing emissions and congestion.