Free parking for NHS and care workers as parking charges reintroduced

NHS and health and social care workers in Bath and North East Somerset are being encouraged to apply via their employer for a new Government digital parking permit so that they can park for free with no time limits when undertaking official duties.

The paper-based permit for NHS staff, health and social care workers and volunteers should be displayed clearly in vehicle windscreens.

Parking charges for residents and visitors will also be reintroduced on May 4 for Bath & North East Somerset Council car parks and on street paid for parking, after pausing on March 25 due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Residents are reminded that they will need a valid permit if using residents’ parking bays from this date.

Councillor Joanna Wright, joint cabinet member for Transport Services, said: “At the moment it’s important to make parking as easy as possible for NHS and health and social care workers who need to use their cars for work purposes. I welcome the national parking permit scheme as it will make life easier for people carrying out essential services. I’d encourage workers who think they are eligible to speak to their employers straight away.

“We are also reintroducing parking charges in the district after a temporary pause so I would urge people to check that they are using our car parks and permitted bays correctly.”

On-street parking places where the national permit can be used are limited to pay and display bays, limited waiting bays and permit holder bays and zones.

Drivers are reminded that no-one is permitted to park on:

• Footways/Verges
• School or pedestrian crossing zig-zags
• Bus stops
• Taxi ranks
• Clearways
• Single yellow line waiting restrictions
• Double yellow lines
• Single/Double yellow lines with kerb markings
• Loading bays

More information on the national parking permit scheme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-health-care-and-volunteer-workers-parking-pass-and-concessions/covid-19-health-care-and-volunteer-workers-parking-pass-and-concessions

For updates on all council services visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/coronavirus