Angry backlash as Lib Dem council plots to charge owners of bigger cars extra for parking

Published: 15:45, 2 June 2026 | Updated: 15:57, 2 June 2026 A Lib Dem council has laid out plans for a new 'SUV tax' - which would see bigger cars charged extra for parking. The proposals - drafted up by Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) - have attracted outrage from local residents, who argue they would target families and people with disabilities. A consultation has been launched after a similar scheme was introduced in Cardiff last year, though the council's plans would bring the first size-based-tax to England. The plans, earmarked for the historic city of Bath, also cover parking issues such as requiring a valid MoT for permits and increasing the costs of visitor permits. A local resident permit policy could lead to supplementary charges for some larger vehicles, and discounts for smaller vehicles. Former taxi driver, 63–year–old Bob, said the policy would 'add insult to injury' in the city. He added: '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 insult to injury by saying, "now we're going to charge you by the size of your car as well". The things they are doing don't make sense. The plans, for the historic city of Bath (pictured), also cover other parking issues such as requiring a valid MoT for permits and increasing the costs of visitor permits One local resident claimed the policy 'would not improve congestion in the city' as residents would still pay the charges despite them increasing 'I wouldn't mind so much, but they're not improving the public transport system.' Bob went on to claim the policy 'would not improve congestion in the city' as residents would still pay the charges despite them increasing.  He said: 'People will still come into the centre of town because they have to, to function.' Julian Knight, 51, who travels to Bath multiple times a year with his family, as his brother lives locally, said the charges would be a 'bigger hit on the wallet'. He added: '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.' Some residents have expressed support for the changes, such as 63–year–old Jayne Mallon. Julian Knight, 51, who travels to Bath multiple times a year with his family, as his brother lives locally, said the charges would be a 'bigger hit on the wallet'. He is pictured here with his son, George Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, has defended the proposals - saying they will encourage people to use safer and cleaner vehicles She said: 'I think it's a good idea. Bigger vehicles should pay more – they take up more space and give out more pollution.' Tina Kerr, 56, from Warminster, Wiltshire, said she liked the rules – but insisted better public transport was needed if parking in the city was made more 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.' Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, has defended the proposals - saying they will encourage people to use safer and cleaner vehicles. She 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're 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.' Similar charges were introduced last autumn in Cardiff, which became the first local authority to introduce a parking premium for larger vehicles. The local authority said the plans were 'to encourage drivers to switch to smaller vehicles,' amid a backlash against large SUVs. 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.' Previous feedback showed 50 per cent of respondents supported introducing size–based charges or discounts for residents' parking permits, and 38 per cent of respondents supported increasing the 24–hour parking charge at Park & Ride sites from £3 to £4 for motorists who don't use the bus service. The council withdrew its plans to extend parking charges at Bath Hill East car park in Keynsham to include Saturdays, after residents and businesses highlighted concerns about impact on local footfall and affordability. The consultation is open until June 18. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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