Motorists to be slapped with new sizing charges as larger cars set to pay more under new proposals

Councillors are now being asked to approve a new public consultation on the changes, which would be introduced through a formal Traffic Regulation Order process.

The recommendations are set out in a Single Member Decision report and follow an earlier round of public engagement last autumn.

If approved, the scheme would mean parking permit costs are calculated using the size of a vehicle rather than a flat rate, marking a major change in parking structures.

Cabinet members Councillor Joel Hirst, who is responsible for Sustainable Transport Strategy, and Councillor Manda Rigby, who oversees Communications and Community, will decide whether the plans move to the next stage.

The council explained the aim is to encourage people to own smaller cars, arguing that larger vehicles create safety risks and cause problems on the city's narrow streets.

According to the council, SUVs and other large vehicles pose greater dangers to pedestrians and cyclists because of higher bonnets and larger blind spots.

Council officers warned oversized vehicles can block buses, emergency vehicles and delivery vans, making it harder for people to move around safely.

The proposals build on Bath's existing Clean Air Zone and form part of the council's "Vision Zero" pledge, which aims to eliminate deaths and serious injuries on local roads.

Under the proposed charging system, a vehicle's size would be measured in square metres by multiplying its length by its width, excluding wing mirrors, with 11 different charging bands. The smallest vehicles, measuring up to five square metres, would qualify for a £20 discount on a first permit.

Meanwhile, the largest vehicles, which measure more than 14 square metres, would face a maximum extra charge of £112.08 for a first permit and £308.22 for a second permit.

Second permits would be more expensive across all bands, as the council stated households with more than one vehicle place extra pressure on limited parking spaces.

The council noted Blue Badge holders who live in residents' parking zones would remain exempt from the charges.

An initial consultation ran between October and November last year, receiving 490 responses, along with 660 written comments. Around half of those who responded supported size-based parking charges, although parking fees remain a concern.

The council said it would also consider increasing visitor parking permits from £1 per day to £2.50 per day over three years, with the higher rate launching in 2028.

Another proposal would increase the all-day parking charge at Bath's three Park and Ride sites from £3 to £4 for drivers who park without using the bus service.

Councillor Hirst said: "Thank you to all those who took part in the earlier consultation. We've listened to your feedback and have amended our proposals. We will now carefully consider the recommendations before us for further consultation under the Traffic Regulation Order process."

Councillor Rigby added: "I will give careful consideration to the recommendations in the report. The proposals do not affect short-stay parking at our park and rides. This helps dog walkers and sports teams by not raising their charges."

She added that the changes are aimed at people who park all day but do not use the bus and "are therefore not contributing to the maintenance of the park and ride".

The plans also include a new rule requiring vehicles to have a valid MOT in order to qualify for a permit, which the council states would help remove unsafe or uninsured vehicles from local roads. If approved, the proposals would be consulted on later this year before any final decision is made.