In the new parking permit year (01/08/2025 - 31/07/2026), we will be implementing a paperless permit system, which we hope will enhance the customer experience of applying for and updating permits as well as lower our environmental footprint and printing costs.

The University is implementing increases to our car parking charges, which are currently less than the benchmarked rates for Higher Education car parking and very significantly less expensive than more sustainable options like taking the bus. This puts us out of step with the sector and our climate commitments. The charges and your options for the 2025/26 academic year can be found on our parking webpages.

We recognise that the increase is higher than in previous years where we have kept changes to a minimum, including where we held increases well below the rate of inflation (RPI). However, within the new pricing structure, we have carefully considered the need for flexibility and have taken into account colleagues on full, part time, shift or occasional hours as well as pay spine point. For example, for occasional users, the new charge will be £3 per day which remains less than a return trip on the bus. For colleagues purchasing an annual permit, the charge remains even less: a standard, non-discounted permit works out around £4.64 per week. In addition to a 50% discount for colleagues up to and including spine point 15, there is a 25% discount for colleagues on grades 5-7. Please see our parking webpages for full details.

Despite changes to working patterns post-pandemic, it can still be a challenge to find a parking space on our Claverton Down campus, especially during core hours from Tuesday to Thursday. We recognise this can make parking especially difficult, for example, for those with caring responsibilities and school drop offs. Therefore, in parallel with these changes, we are implementing a series of measures in order to ease pressures on parking on campus including:

  • reducing the number of Reserved spaces, returning additional parking places for general permit holders
  • rebalancing from pay to park to permit holders only, which increased permit holder spaces by 231
  • piloting an automatic number plate recognition system, so we can better understand usage by visitors without permits
  • removing, wherever possible, storage containers situated in car parks
  • completing resurfacing works in 2 South car park.

Other changes include:

  • moving to grant parking permit to postgraduate students on the same criteria as undergraduates. i.e. postgraduates from 2025/26 can only apply for a student parking permit if they are living outside the BA1/BA2 postcode unless there are exceptional circumstances
  • Pay & Display parking for visitors to the University, which last increased in August 2000, will increase from £1 per hour to £1.50
  • parking will continue to be free for visitors after 5pm and discounted at weekends. Free parking will be retained for large University events and parking for disabled people will remain free.

Looking ahead, our carbon plans require us to address modes of travel to campus and to reduce the number of parking spaces. In addition, Bath & North East Somerset Council is considering introducing a parking levy on businesses which could have a significant financial impact. In the coming months, the Travel Advisory Group will be asking for your input about how we can support members of our community to consider alternative modes of transport, from exploring park and ride connections to car sharing schemes and more.

We will regularly review our plans to check they are working as intended. In the meantime, you can read more about alternative modes of transport to campus including active travel and travelling by bus.