The council that covers the historic city of Bath is set to drop plans to build a park and ride scheme on picturesque meadows to the East of the city, but remains committed to building a new link road in the same area.
Bath and North East Somerset Council announced that it was setting out 'a new approach' to addressing the issues of traffic and transport in the city, particularly to the East, including not going ahead plans for an east of Bath Park & Ride at either of the proposed sites.
Bathampton, the scene of the proposed scheme
The council said its cabinet would consider a report proposing not to progress either of the proposed sites, 'based primarily on road safety grounds' on Wednesday 19 July.
The local authority also launched an integrated transport plan for the city that it said ‘brings together a package of joined up transport improvements to help meet rising demand and reduce the impact of traffic on local people’. This includes a planned link road in the same area.
Council leader Tim Warren said: ‘Improving transport and tackling Bath’s traffic problems remain one of our highest priorities, which is why we have set out a range of measures aimed at addressing this important issue.
‘This includes moving ahead with plans for an A36-A46 link road to reduce through-traffic in the city, looking into the feasibility of a light-rail tram system, improving access routes to our existing park & rides, investing in local rail services, and holding further discussions with neighbouring councils about potential opportunities further out from the city.’
He added: ‘It’s no secret that the eastern park & ride has long been a challenging issue for the city, with strong views on both sides of the debate. However, after talking with engineers, visiting the locations again and discussing options with our partners, we must consider the wider picture, take the broadest view of new opportunities and ultimately put the safety of road user first.’
‘At the same time, we also recognise the high value which the local community places on site F in particular as an open space, and this site was the least favoured of the three sites that were put forward in the public consultation two years ago.’
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