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. These works will complete in November ahead of the Christmas embargo, prior to commencing the main works in January, which are expected to take another five months to complete.
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.
Advance works to install permanent security bollards started on Upper Borough Walls on Monday 11 September 2023 under a road closure. These works will complete in November ahead of the Christmas embargo, prior to commencing the main works in January, which are expected to take another five months to complete.
Between Wednesday 15th November and Wednesday 3rd January 2024, Upper Borough Walls will reopen to allow vehicles to exit via Northgate Street.
This final phase of works will be to prepare and relocate utilities followed by the installation of the bollard equipment in these locations.
Volker Highways will carry out the construction works, operating from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 5pm, with some night-time and weekend working.
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 have carried 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
From 3rd January 2024, Upper Borough Walls at its junction with Union & Burton Streets, will be temporarily closed to vehicles 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Traffic entering via the access at Cheap Street, Westgate Street, Saw Close and Upper Borough Walls will need to exit via a temporary exit at Barton Street/Wood Street/Quiet Street and New Bond Street. Drivers must exit New Bond Street to the left to avoid the bus gate between 10am and 6pm.
Blue Badge holders and other exempt vehicles will still be able to access and park in the secure zone but will need to exit via Saw Close and Barton Street.
Deliveries and waste collections will still be possible before 10am and after 6pm, with alternative parking and loading available nearby on the High Street and New Bond Street. We have written directly to businesses to explain in detail how this will be managed.
View or download the diversion plan (PDF)
Pedestrian access will be maintained for people who are walking or wheeling and the works in footways will be subject to pedestrian controls (like temporary walkways) to facilitate works and to keep people safe. The construction works will not prevent traders, or their customers, from accessing their premises.
If you require a one-off permit for access you will still need to apply on our web page.
Works on the remaining streets (Lower Borough Walls) will be phased during 2024. We will update this page when more details are known.
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.
Public discussion events
We are inviting residents, businesses and blue badge holders to a drop-in session on Thursday 7 September 2023 to discuss the works and access arrangements with our project team and contractor. The drop in event will be in the Drawing Room at the Roman Baths from 2pm to 6.30pm.
We will hold more events as future phases come forward. Please check here regularly for updates.