Residents in one of Britain's most historic cities could be facing an 'SUV tax': parking charges according to how big their cars are.
Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) has begun consulting the public over changes to parking in Bath - and is already facing a backlash.
The authority's plans cover a variety of parking issues, such as requiring a valid MoT for parking permits and increasing the costs of visitor permits.
But the most eye-catching is a proposal to charge locals for permits related to the size of their cars - a first in England.
This could mean supplementary charges for some larger vehicles, and discounts for smaller vehicles.
Some residents have hit out, arguing that the "outrageous" plans will target families and people with disabilities, who often need larger cars.
Former taxi driver, 63-year-old Bob, said: "I was driving in this town for 20 years, and at the time, I had to pay something like £80 to 100 for residential parking.
"If that weren't bad enough, they then add injury to insult by saying, 'now we're going to charge you by the size of your car as well.'
"I don't think it's going to improve the congestion in the city, because it doesn't matter how much they put the charges up - people will still pay the charges.
"People will still come into the centre of town because they have to, to function."
Tina Kerr, 56, from Warminster, says that she thinks the rules are great - but that they need better public transport in place if they are going to make parking difficult.
She said: “We do visit relatively frequently, if transport wasn’t such an issue we might visit more.
“We would love to go on the train, but it is expensive, always late, and it is never when we need it to be. We have to get to the opposite side of Bath to use the Park and Ride.
“It is great to sort out the parking issues, but it needs an integrated transport system to replace people driving in. We don’t have a convenient alternative.”
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Julian Knight, 51, travels to Bath multiple times a year with his family, as his brother lives locally.
He said: "From a visitor's perspective, the parking charges seem quite high already - we paid £50 for two nights.
"We visit three to five times a year and stay at my brother's apartment.
"We would probably still visit, because we're coming to see family - but it would be a bigger hit on the wallet."
Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, said: “The way we manage parking has a direct impact on road safety, fairness, and the council’s ability to maintain essential services.
"What we’ve proposing to do will help us achieve this.
"Higher charges for larger vehicles and discounts for smaller ones will encourage more people to use safer, smaller and cleaner vehicles, which will also help improve air quality.
“We want to hear as many voices as possible, that’s why we decided to consult again on these changes via a formal Traffic Regulation Order, thank you to all those who take part.”
Councillor Manda Rigby, Cabinet Member for Communications and Community in Bath, said: “We have three brilliant Park & Ride sites that run fast, regular and convenient services into the city and provide free parking for those using the service.
"One of our proposed changes is to increase the cost of 24-hour parking at these sites for motorists not using the service and want to hear your views.“
In addition to the council’s previous proposals, they are now also consulting on the introduction of parking charges on Weston Road in Bath, changes to permit parking on Monmouth Street to support Avon and Somerset Police moving into Bath city centre, and some operational changes to council car parks.
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