Holders simply show badge to enter city

Last week, Eleanor Swift asked for more information about how blue badge holders can access the city centre security zone between 10am and 6pm. I’m delighted to answer her questions.

Blue badge holders can drive into the restricted area by simply showing their blue badge to the marshal operating the gate on Cheap Street. The exit point is on Upper Borough Walls.

The same arrangement applies if the blue badge holder is being dropped off by a carer, relative, friend or taxi driver. To get picked up from inside the restricted area, they would need to call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41, so the CCTV team can check their sixdigit blue badge card number and the vehicle details or taxi firm.

Gradually, the council will replace this arrangement with automated and static bollards, later in 2022.

Blue badge holders can park for up to three hours on double yellow lines inside the restricted area. It may be easier to find a space now, as there are no large vans and lorries parked all day on these narrow streets. We are putting in additional seating to help those who need to rest while moving about and day hire of mobility equipment is available from Assured Mobility in Hot Bath Street.

Emergency services will have special access to the city centre and have a direct link to our control room. We have been working closely with the police and the fire and ambulance services throughout this process, to ensure that services and public safety are not affected.

Information about these arrangements was published via the council website and e-news, on Somerset Live and, if I recall correctly, in the Chronicle in December. The council webpage with full information about access is www. bathnes.gov.uk/bathcitycentreaccess

The city centre security scheme has now been running for two months. In that time there have been no complaints to the council and every blue badge holder who wished to get access, got access.

Non-blue badge holders are not prevented from driving into Bath and all the city car parks are still accessible. In fact, the council opened a new temporary city centre car park on Green Park Road just before Christmas. The only difference is non-blue badge holders can’t drive down a few of Bath’s busiest streets which make up the restricted area.

Councillor Manda Rigby B&NES Cabinet Member for Transport