For people living with a disability or reduced mobility, getting around a town or city can be very challenging. We recognise that a wide variety of factors, from parking to public transport, can affect accessibility, and are aiming to improve your experience of travelling into and around Bath in several ways.
Current challenges
We are seeking to improve accessibility for disabled transport users across the B&NES district. We want to improve access to all modes of transport, including buses, trains and bikes, for disabled people who want to use one of these transport options, but who may have experienced barriers in being able to do so in the past.
In May 2021, we completed our City Centre Disabled Access Audit, which considers accessibility to the city from a wide variety of standpoints (such as for workers, for students, for people with different impairments). We are using this as our starting point for developing improvements. We want to work with interested parties to identify ways of improving the shopping and visitor experience within the town centre for disabled people, seeking opportunities to maintain and enhance current levels of disabled access.
We are applying the principles set out in DfT’s Inclusive Transport Strategy when it comes to taxis and other licensed vehicle applications, to ensure that these are accessible for everyone and fit for purpose. We will be assessing new technologies such as autonomous vehicles and transport apps for disabled users (Mobility as a Service is covered under the Supporting Future Mobility section) through future DfT trials.
What this plan means for you
Our vision
We aim to provide improved access to all modes of transport, enabling seamless journeys for everyone across the entire B&NES transport network.
Parking for disabled people
- We recognise that some disabled people, particularly those with limited mobility, rely on transport by car to access towns and cities. We will continue to recognise the importance of providing dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces, which are provided in almost all public and private car parks across Bath, as well as maintaining dedicated on-street Disabled access parking bays.
Accessing Bath City Centre
- We are planning streetscape improvements such as dropped curbs, crossings and the provision of seating areas/rest places as part of the City Centre Security Project proposals. This should improve access to the city centre considerably for disabled people.
- A less vehicle-dominated city centre will create a vibrant and liveable location for people to work, shop and live, while maintaining disabled access to ensure that Bath remains a destination for all. View our map of Blue Badge parking bays and public seating in Bath City Centre.
- Disabled people who are Blue Badge holders can access the restricted streets in the City Centre Security zone by vehicle, for drop-off, pick-up and parking, from January 2022.
Easier train travel
- The WECA Ten-Year Joint Rail Delivery Plan has committed to a better standard of accessibility. This includes full step-free access, seating, shelters, wayfinding, easy walking and bike access, disabled parking, and improvements to security for passengers, including CCTV and lighting.
Find out more
To learn more about parts of the plan which will benefit you in particular, you may want to explore the following sections.
Themes
- Better public transport options
- Creating improved spaces to live and work
- Providing for travel by bike and on foot