More than 200,000 visitors are expected to visit the Bath Christmas Market between Thursday 24 November and Sunday 11 December, to enjoy the unique shopping experience with the stunning backdrop of Bath Abbey and the Roman Baths, and to sample the best festive food and entertainment.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is working in partnership with Bath Tourism Plus to do what it can keep the city moving for both visitors and residents. The Council is implementing a range of measures to improve transport and access to the city during this busy period, including:
Extending the operating hours of the city’s Park & Ride to allow shoppers to take advantage of the late night shopping opportunities provided by the Christmas Market.
Eight extra Park & Ride buses will run on Saturdays and five extra buses on Sundays. Ticket sellers will also be working at the busiest sites to assist in the smooth operation of the services. All services will run until 9.30pm during the Christmas period.
Creating additional capacity at Park & Ride sites. In addition to the overflow spaces at Odd Down Park & Ride, the car park at Lansdown North Playing Fields (nearly opposite Lansdown Park & Ride) will be used as an overflow car park on the Saturdays of the Christmas market. This should provide an additional 140 spaces for visitors.
Permanent and temporary messaging signs will be in operation displaying real time car park information and directing visitors to the Park & Ride sites.
Careful monitoring of traffic flow will take place during the period.
A robust coach management programme is in place to assist coaches dropping off and picking up in the city.
An embargo on all but emergency roadworks in the city until Monday 9 January in order to reduce traffic delays during the Christmas and New Year period.
On the Saturdays of the Christmas Market Great Western Railway will be operating an extra 15 trains at peak times, creating additional capacity for people heading to Bath Spa Railway Station.
Councillor Anthony Clarke, Bath and North East Somerset Council Cabinet Member for Transport said: “The Bath Christmas Market attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year so it is vital that we have measures in place to keep the city centre moving as best as possible.
“The Council is taking a range of steps to improve traffic movement and access to the city the during this busy period, such as extending the opening hours of our Park & Rides and providing overflow spaces at Lansdown and Odd Down. In addition, we have put a stop to all but emergency roadworks and will be closely monitoring traffic flow to see whether any additional steps need to be taken to keep traffic moving in the city centre.
“Wherever possible, we are encouraging shoppers and visitors to use either public transport or our Park & Ride services to get into the city, with extra buses put on. Using the Park & Ride can allow visitors to enjoy the Christmas Market experience without having to drive into the busy city centre, and we thank residents and visitors in advance for working with during this exceptionally busy time.”
For further information on Park & Ride services this Christmas, please contact Council Connect on 01225 39 40 41, or click here http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/parking-and-travel/park-and-ride
