By GB News (World News) | Created at 2024-11-01 06:09:38 | Updated at 2024-11-01 08:31:03
2 hours ago
New emission-based parking charges are set to be introduced across the South West of England this month, potentially impacting thousands of petrol and diesel drivers.
The move, launched by Bath and North East Somerset Council, will impact all council-owned car parks in Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Radstock, and Saltford as well as all on-street parking locations in Bath.
The changes will be phased into council-owned car parks in Bath, Keynsham and Saltford throughout November while new parking charges will be introduced in January 2025.
All emission-based charge tariffs are yet to be announced but the council noted that once the changes have been implemented a one-hour stay in a council-owned Bath car park will cost between £1.80 and £2.60, depending on vehicle emissions.
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Parking charges were backed by support from residents in the area
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Councillor Manda Rigby said: “We’ve had great feedback from our consultation, and I’d like to thank all those that took the time to share their views with us.
“We’ve listened and made changes to what was originally put forward and will now introduce two hours of free parking in Midsomer Norton and Radstock car parks with a reduced tariff for longer stays.”
Under the new proposal, there will be no parking charges for motorbikes due to public feedback and technical challenges in providing them with a lower parking charge.
The council said it would be making the charges after a consultation found that 77 per cent of respondents expressed concerns about air quality and its impact on health, while 58 per cent felt it important to improve air quality.
Emission-based parking charges will see motorists with more polluting vehicles charged a higher rate for parking in the region.
Rigby added: “Air quality in Bath and North East Somerset is improving, we know it’s a concern for people living here and the changes we’re making to parking charges is another step to improve further.
“While targets and legal levels exist for air pollution, there is no safe limit. We want to reduce congestion, change behaviours and encourage more sustainable ways to travel.”
As part of the changes signage will be updated to reflect the new charging structure with the council advising customers to check this signage when paying for their stays.
More polluting vehicles to be charged the same VED for parking
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Under the scheme, however, emission-based charges that apply for more polluting vehicles would increase by 2.5 per cent for each more polluting band or five per cent for each engine capacity band.
