It makes uncomfortable reading to hear that Bath is ranked as the fifth most congested area in the UK.
However, anyone walking the London Road on a daily basis will know our traffic tap is often turned on full!
Today sees the launch of a consultation focusing on a transformative 10-year ambitious plan to address the problems facing Bath’s transport network.
The Movement Strategy for Bath sets out our vision for how people and goods will move around Bath over the next decade, supporting the Council’s ambition to improve travel choices and create great places for everyone to live, work and visit.
Currently, transport is responsible for 36% of greenhouse gas emissions in Bath and North East Somerset and the city of Bath is ranked fifth most congested urban area in the UK.
The strategy proposes a range of measures to improve sustainable transport and enhance the quality of public spaces – helping to tackle congestion, improve air quality and support a thriving local economy.
Councillor Joel Hirst, Cabinet Member for Sustainable Transport Strategy, said: “Bath is a unique and vibrant city, but we know our transport network faces real challenges – from congestion and air quality to accessibility and climate change.
“We’ve already made fantastic strides in our air quality, but we know more can be done. The Movement Strategy is our blueprint for a fairer, greener and more connected future.
“This will influence travel for not just Bath residents, but those who travel in from North East Somerset and neighbouring authorities.
“We want to make it easier for everyone to walk, wheel, cycle and use public transport, while ensuring our streets and public spaces are safer and more enjoyable for all.
“This consultation is a vital opportunity for residents, businesses and visitors to help shape the future of movement in Bath. Your views will help us create a transport network that works for everyone.”
The Movement Strategy for Bath outlines a phased approach, through 15 levers, including:
- Creating safer, greener, and more attractive streets and public spaces
- Improving bus services and active travel routes
- Managing traffic and parking to reduce congestion
- Supporting local businesses and the visitor economy
- Ensuring accessibility for all, including people with disabilities and those without access to a car
The council is committed to working with communities and partners to deliver these changes over the next ten years, with short-term improvements planned by 2027 and longer-term interventions through to 2035.
Drop-in events
As part of the consultation, the council will be running drop-in events across the city. We encourage residents, businesses and visitors to attend one of the sessions to learn more and ask questions about the Movement Strategy for Bath.
| Date | Time | Location |
| Tuesday 28 October 2025 | 3.30pm – 7pm | Lansdown Kingswood School Chapel, BA1 5RF |
| Friday 7 November 2025 | 3.30pm – 7pm | Odd Down Sports Ground, BA2 2PR |
| Tuesday 11 November 2025 | 3.30pm – 7pm | Larkhall New Oriel Hall, BA1 6RA |
| Wednesday 12 November 2025 | 12pm to 4pm | Bath Spa University – Locksbrook Campus, BA1 3EL |
| Tuesday 18 November 2025 | 12pm to 7pm | Georgian Room – Guildhall, BA1 5AW |
| Thursday 20 November 2025 | 12pm to 4pm | Royal United Hospital (Lansdown Foyer), BA1 3NG |
| Tuesday 25 November 2025 | 12pm to 4pm | University of Bath, BA2 7AY (students only) |
The public consultation is now open and will run until Friday 28 November. Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to read the Movement Strategy and share their feedback via the website: www.banestransport.co.uk
Hard copies of the questionnaire and the Movement Strategy for Bath document will also be provided at libraries across Bath.
The council’s new Local Plan Options report is also out to public consultation, running until 14 November. Find out more at https://bathnesplaces.co.uk. A decision is also about to be made on School Streets, which features as one of the levers in the Movement Strategy for Bath.
To stay informed on the latest transport developments across Bath & North East Somerset, visit our interactive Transport Action Map: https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/transport-action-map.
Low traffic neighbourhoods contribute to congestion. This has been established in London including in Streatham where closing side streets changed a bus route that would have taken 10 mins into a journey time of more than an hour. Queues at traffic lights all over Bath have been increased by closing side roads.
Air quality is improving quite simply because more people are now driving hybrid and electric cars it has very little to do with council policy.