Bath & North East Somerset Council will be enforcing the
parking restrictions for this year’s Nationwide Bath Half
Marathon this Sunday (March 16).
Now in its 27th year, the Bath Half Marathon is one of the
longest established and most popular city centre road races in the
UK, and the largest mass-participation sporting event in the city,
this year attracting 15,000 registered entrants (40% from the Bath
area), and an estimated 10,000 spectators.
It is also one of the largest charity fundraisers in the South
West, last year raising over £1m for various charities and
voluntary groups (50% of which is targeted for charities within
Bath and North East Somerset).
The event also brings an estimated 20,000 extra visitors to the
city to the benefit of local hotels, restaurants and shops.
The half marathon starts and finishes in Great Pulteney Street
(starting time is 11am), looping down Pulteney Road then following
two laps out and back along the Upper and Lower Bristol Roads up to
the Newbridge Turnpike (Twerton Fork) via Churchill Bridge, Green
Park, Queen Square and Newbridge Road.
To ensure the safety of competitors and spectators road closures
and parking suspensions will operate on the entire half marathon
course route and on venue streets adjacent to Great Pulteney
Street. Further parking suspensions will operate on
designated alternative access routes for ambulances and buses in
Oldfield Park, Bathwick, Walcot and Newbridge.
Any vehicles remaining parked on designated streets during these
hours will be removed. These restrictions will apply to all
vehicles (except emergency services and authorised event vehicles)
including residents parking permit holders, disabled and pay and
display parking. Warning notices will be placed on the affected
parking bays and streets before the event.
Arrangements for parking enforcement for the 2008 half marathon
have been changed as a result of the detailed review and
consultation carried out after each year’s race. This year,
enforcement and vehicle removals will be carried out by Bath &
North East Somerset Council following the Council’s recent adoption
of towaway and clamping powers. Notice to residents has been
increased, a formal appeal procedure introduced, and costs for
offending motorists will also be increased by the introduction of a
£60 fixed penalty notice in addition to the previous removal charge
of £105.
Bath & North East Somerset Council is encouraging Bath
residents to look out for the routes and to prepare for the
restrictions.
The Council would like to thank residents living on the route of
the race for their understanding. This year greater advanced notice
has been given of the event, the Council hopes that this will
help to minimise disruption for as many people as possible and
ensure that the day is a success for everyone.
Andrew Taylor, race director, Running High Events said: “The
half marathon is grateful for the continuing support of the
residents, businesses, churches and motorists in Bath and for
putting up with the disruption to their normal lives for this one
special day of the year.
“We are anxious to minimise any inconvenience caused, and would
also be grateful for any feedback or comments on these proposals,
or suggestions as to how arrangements for the event could be
improved. We hope that these new measures will give residents
and motorists plenty of warning, and that the number of towaways
will be significantly reduced this year.”
More information about the half marathon road closures can be
obtained from the council website at the Bath Half
Marathon pages by phoning the race enquiry line on 01225 422255
during working hours - including race day, or by e-mailing
traffic@runninghigh.co.uk
For specific advice about disabled people's or carers
access during the half marathon please contact the race enquiry
line. For further information on race day check out the updated
traffic reports on Bath GWR FM radio.
