New parking restrictions proposed for Oldfield Park and Westmoreland

Residents in Oldfield Park and Westmoreland in Bath are being asked what they think of proposed changes to on-street parking in the area.

Bath & North East Somerset Council is considering introducing a Residents’ Parking Zone (RPZ) in large parts of both wards to tackle commuter parking and reduce vehicle intrusion into the largely residential neighbourhoods, improving air quality and the environment for the local community.

Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport said: “It can be really difficult for some residents to park close to home with many spaces taken up by commuters. The visiting traffic impacts not only air quality, but also the health and quality-of-life of residents. By prioritising residents and relocating commuters to more appropriate parking facilities such as Park and Ride sites we’ll be able to reduce traffic movement outside people’s homes, improve air quality and create a safer environment for people to walk or cycle.”

The council is writing to two thousand residents and businesses inviting them to have their say on the proposals.  It is particularly keen to hear from businesses, including those in the district shopping centre in Moorland Road, so it can take their needs into account.

The consultation (www.bathnes.gov.uk/oldfield-westmoreland-rpz-consultation) runs until 5pm on 18 November.18 November 2021.

There will also be a drop-in session for people who wish to discuss the proposals in the main hall at Oldfield Park Baptist Church on 2 November between 4pm and 8pm. 
Once feedback has been received the schemes will be further developed and detailed designs drawn up.

The proposed changes to on-street parking in Oldfield Park and Westmoreland were requested by ward councillors ahead of the council’s decision to work with communities to introduce Liveable Neighbourhoods.

However, parking controls are also part of the Liveable Neighbourhoods toolkit as they can help change our streets to become better places to live by reducing the number of vehicles driving around searching for parking spaces.

Parking controls can also potentially change the way people use road space helping to pave the way for future improvements making it easier for people to walk, cycle or use public transport.

The council will also shortly be consulting separately asking residents whether there is a need for secure cycle lockers on their street.