Bath Christmas Market 2008

Coach Tours – important information

27th Nov - 7th Dec 2008

To make the whole experience more efficient, enjoyable and safe for your drivers, passengers and for other road users in Bath city centre, pre booking of coach parking is compulsory for all coach visits during the 2008 Christmas market.

The charge for a pre-booked coach parking permit is £25 per visit. Coaches which do not pre-book will be refused access to the designated parking areas and may incur a variable Penalty Charge up to £70.

Arrangements on the Day

On arrival in the city, all coaches should make their way to the Riverside Coach Park,  this will be clearly sign posted from all major routes into the city

Coach permit holders will be able to set down and pick up passengers at the times specified by the Council.  Preferences on arrival and departure times can be made and will be accommodated as far as possible but cannot be guaranteed.  

A designated coach parking area will be allocated and advised with confirmation of booking. A shuttlebus will be provided, free of charge, to convey drivers from their parking area to the city centre and return. It is anticipated that this will operate half hourly.

How to apply for your permit

You can apply by printing off the booking form, see related documents, and post or fax it (if paying by credit card) to the address/fax number on the form.  Payment must accompany the application.

We will write confirming detail of your arrival and departure times and send your permit, which must be displayed or handed to the marshal at the Riverside Coach Park and designated parking area.

The latest date to apply for a permit is 20th November, 2008. Coach spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come first served basis

Questions & Answers

Do we have to pre book or can we just turn up on the day?

Pre booking is compulsory and every coach must display the permit appropriate to their confirmed booking. A coach arriving without a permit or without a booking will be refused access to the drop off point and parking area. Unauthorised parking outside of the designated areas is prohibited and parking regulations will be strictly enforced by the Council and the Police.

Why is a charge being levied?

In view of past congestion problems, administration of the drop off/pick up points and parking areas is essential. This includes providing marshalling and parking staff, road closures, directional signage etc. The Council seeks to recover these costs by charging a fee for every coach attending the event.

Will we be guaranteed the departure time requested?

No, but you should be given a time that is very close to the time requested. Departure times will be allocated on a first come first served basis so it is important that you return the booking form as soon as possible. If your departure time is not available you will be advised of the alternative time with the permit. Once allocated the departure time must be adhered to.

What will happen once we have returned the booking form?

We will process the application as soon as possible and advise you of the allocated drop off/pick up times.  Full detail will be included with the booking confirmation and permit.

Routes into Bath

The drop off point will be sign posted on all major routes into Bath.  Provided the permit is displayed you will be allowed to drop off your passengers and you can then proceed to the designated parking area.

Who do I contact in the event of any enquiries?

For enquiries concerning any aspect of your permit application

email: parking@bathnes.gov.uk  or telephone 01225 477133/4 during normal office hours.

Please note we will be unable to change an allocated departure time once confirmed.

Enquiries concerning the Market must be referred to the Bath Christmas Market Web site www.bathchristmasmarket.co.uk