Will Bath ban cars to stop terrorist attacks?
FEARS of terror attacks could see the centre of the historic city of Bath closed off to vehicles.
The council plans to install bollards and remove parking spaces – even for residents.
But it has been accused of failing to take into account the needs of vulnerable locals.
A public consultation received about 200 comments, with some criticising the proposals to block access to residents’ vehicles, taxis, and parcel and food delivery vans.
Affected residents would be forced to get approval for home deliveries 20 days in advance and blue badge holders would not be able to park.
The council and police said the counter-terror measures were proportionate for the Georgian city. Pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles would still have access at all times.
Community group The Abbey Residents’ Association said the public consultation, which has
‘Vague justification for draconian restrictions’
now been extended, had so far failed to properly capture the views of locals. It said: ‘The justification for all these draconian restrictions is vague but appears to be that in the past terrorists have used vehicles as weapons in crowded areas. Why focus on this particular type of attack?’
Chairman Ian Perkins added: ‘Much of the concern is still about businesses.’
Inspector Martin Rowland, of Avon and Somerset Police, said his security advisers had worked with Bath and North East Somerset Council to make sure the city – which is a major tourist attraction – was safe from attacks.
‘This is Bath, not London, but the threat is still there and it is still real,’ he said.
Councillor Joanna Wright said a specialist was working with local accessibility groups before plans were finalised.