Bath’s traffic problems are notorious. Congestion causes frustration to residents, businesses and visitors, and the resulting pollution is damaging to health and to the city’s historic fabric. There is widespread agreement that something must be done. But what? How can Bath make it easier for residents and visitors to reduce their use of private cars? What is the best way of managing goods deliveries and refuse collections? How would any restrictions on vehicle use within the city impact on the environs of Bath? Are there simple measures which could be taken now, in advance of any major investment schemes?

 

At this second meeting of the BetterBath Forum David Trigwell, B&NES Director for Planning and Transport Development will describe the Council’s vision for transport over the next 20 years and will outline some of the options which may be available if current bids for Government funding are successful. Patrick Rotherham of the Federation of Bath Residents’ Associations, will speak about the harmful effects of traffic-generated pollution on the amenity of residents, and Eric Snook of the Bath Independent Group will talk about the need for new traffic measures to respect the commercial vitality of the city centre. The debate will then be thrown open, and participants will be invited to share their views on the most effective ways of achieving real improvements in our city’s environment.

 

Greg Ingham, local resident and Chairman of Bath-based business MediaClash, publishers of Bath Life, will chair this meeting. Towards the end of the debate he will seek to draw conclusions on the key issues which the Council will need to consider as it takes forward the plans for the next 20 years.