Use this page to find out everything you need to know about our city centre security improvements:
- When and where changes are taking place
- How to access the secure zone, if you are exempt from the restrictions
- How to plan your journey or find alternative parking
On 1 January 2022, vehicles were permanently restricted in some streets in central Bath, as part of the Bath City Centre Security scheme. This was to protect the city's most crowded spaces from the risk of vehicle-based terrorist attack.
Works to install permanent bollards began on 20 June 2022, and the first phase was completed in September 2022.
The next phase of works on York Street started on 3 January 2023, and this phase was completed on 12 May 2023. Vehicles are restricted between 10am and 10pm.
We started improvements on Cheap Street and Hot Bath Street on 29 May 2023, and this phase was completed on 9 November 2023. Vehicles are restricted between 10am and 6pm.
We started improvements on Upper Borough Walls on 11 September 2023. Initial works were completed in November ahead of the Christmas embargo, prior to commencing the main works in January, which are ongoing and expected to complete in June.
These are permanent anti-terrorism security measures that will protect the public and restrict vehicles in the secure zone.
How we will manage the work
There will be two phases to the installation of the new static and sliding bollards. We will only apply road restrictions when necessary, and pedestrians will have access to the roads at all times.
Advance ducting works
Volker Highways will be carrying out the construction works. They will operate from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, with occasional Saturday working. Roads will only be closed when signage and marshals are in place.
Burton Street: 20 June to 1 July 2022 (complete)
Works were on footways only. There were controls such as temporary walkways, to keep people safe while construction went on. Access to businesses for traders and customers was unaffected.
York Street/Terrace Walk: 4 July to 18 July 2022 (complete)
Works were on footways only. There were controls such as temporary walkways, to keep people safe while construction went on. Access to businesses for traders and customers was unaffected.
One bus bay was suspended on Terrace Walk to provide a temporary compound for the contractor's welfare cabins and materials.
Lower Borough Walls, Hot Bath Street, St James Parade, Amery Lane, Wine Street: 18 July to 17 September 2022 (complete)
Works were on footways and in the road. There were controls such as temporary walkways, to keep people safe while construction went on. Access to businesses for traders and customers was unaffected.
We suspended four disabled parking bays and one loading bay on Lower Borough Walls to provide a temporary compound for the contractor's welfare cabins and materials.
Due to confined working areas, there were also traffic restrictions in place between 10am and 6pm for about 3 weeks.
We installed a temporary footway surface along St James Parade. We will be returning next year to re-lay the footway and install additional bollards.
Work to prepare and relocate utilities to allow the installation of the sliding bollard equipment started on 3 January 2023 and completed on 12 May 2023.
Works to install the bollard equipment mostly took place on York Street in the road and footway. Pedestrian access was maintained at all times.
York Street was closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Following the improvement works, it is closed from 10am to 10pm.
Works to install permanent security bollards started on Cheap Street and Hot Bath Street on 29 May 2023 and were completed on 9 November 2023.
Works to install the bollard equipment on Cheap Street mostly took place in the road and footway. Cheap Street was closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pedestrian access was maintained at all times. Following the improvement works, it is closed from 10am to 6pm.
Works to install the bollard equipment on Hot Bath Street mostly took place in the road and footway. A section of Hot Bath Street was closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pedestrian access was diverted to bypass the works safely. Following the improvement works, it is closed from 10am to 6pm.
Works to install permanent security bollards started on Upper Borough Walls on 11 September 2023 and were completed on 20 May 2024.
Works were paused for the Christmas embargo.
Works to install the bollard equipment on Upper Borough Walls took place in the road and footway. Upper Borough Walls was closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Pedestrian access was maintained at all times. Following the improvement works, it is closed from 10am to 6pm, except for exempt vehicles.
We will start works to install permanent security bollards at Lower Borough Walls in May and these are expected to take approximately five months to complete.
Initial works will be to prepare and relocate utilities, followed by the installation of the bollard equipment.
VolkerHighways will carry out the construction works, operating from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, with some night-time and weekend working when required.
Due to the unique nature of the city and highway construction, we expect some challenges. These include working:
- above existing vaults and cellars
- close to utility apparatus
We will carry out investigative work, but our construction timeline is an estimate, and we cannot guarantee completion dates. We will keep this webpage updated with any changes.
Works and traffic information
Once works begin Lower Borough Walls will be temporary closed at its junction with Bilbury Lane to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
During the closures traffic will be managed two-way along Hot Bath Street, Bath Street and Stall Street and can access the eastern side of Lower Borough Walls.
View or download the Lower Borough Walls diversion plan
These Works will affect all disabled parking bays located on Lower Borough Walls, which will be unavailable for the duration of the works. The disabled parking bays located on Beau Street will still be available and other nearby bays can be seen on the Bath city centre parking and access map.
View or download the Bath city centre parking and access map
Access for Blue Badge holders
There should always be access for Blue Badge holders and others who are exempt from secure zone restrictions on Cheap Street, Westgate Street and Upper Borough Walls. Please be aware that the access may be through a different entry or exit point.
Apply for a one-off access permit
To apply for a one-off access permit, you need to check if you are eligible for special permission first.
Contact the City Centre Security Team
For more information, please contact the City Centre Security Team by emailing citycentresecurity@bathnes.gov.uk or call Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41, including out of hours.