Shops on a "much-loved" Bath high street are already losing customers due to new parking rules — six weeks before the rules actually come into force.

Moorland Road is set to be included in the new Oldfield Park and Westmoreland Residents Parking Zone (RPZ) being introduced by the council, and people will need a permit to park in most of that area.

The rules do not kick in until August 29 but Leigh Samways, co-owner of the street's hardware store, Francis DIY, said that the signs for the parking zone have already lost them customers.

Speaking to a full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council on July 20, she said: "None of us object to the idea that controls need to be brought about to improve parking for residents, but this should be done in a way that allows our communities and shops and institutions to thrive.

"Oldfield Park is unique. It has a mix of many local independent businesses, coupled with a thriving community spirit, that makes Moorland Road a hive of activity and important meeting point for people of all ages."

She thanked the council for engaging with the community in recent weeks but urged them to keep local businesses involved. She said: "The risk to us and the local community is too high and if this goes wrong, far from improving things, it could destroy our vibrant community."

Westmoreland councillor Colin Blackburn said: "The signs from the RPZ have now gone up, warning people of the permit holder only bays. This is six weeks before the scheme starts.

"Do you feel this will have a detrimental effect on Moorland Road and the other community assets whilst you are trying to prepare for the official introduction of the RPZ?"

Although most of the signs and bays are now in place, they will not be enforced until August 29.

Ms Samways said: "It has confused customers. People already think that they can't come and park in our area. We've had people actually saying we can't come to you any more."

Andrew Dawes, operations manager at St Bart's church and community centre, also spoke at the meeting. He presented a petition signed by 1,800 people which called on the council to cancel the current scheme and instead introduce an alternative which accommodates community institutions.

He told the council: "Oldfield and Westmoreland are different to other zones the council has introduced schemes in. In addition to houses, it hosts not only a much loved high street […] with local shops, but also churches, schools, and a major GP surgery.

"The needs of these community institutions have been overlooked."

The permit holders only rules had originally been due to come into force on July 31 but on the day of the council meeting — 11 days before the rules were set to begin — the council postponed the start of the scheme until August 29 in order to add more short stay bays for people without permits.

Mr Dawes said that he was pleased the council had made some changes but urged them to continue the dialogue.

He added: "A number of residents expressing a wish for parking controls does not give this council a mandate to implement and justify any version of a scheme that you wish."

The council states that the zones will reduce anti-social and commuter parking, and improve people's health.

Manda Rigby, the council's cabinet member for transport, said: "We have met and are working closely with the community, to ensure that scarce parking space is allocated fairly and proportionately, prioritising those that live here but also ensuring visitors have the allocation they need to continue to support this vibrant area.

"We also want to reassure residents that the zone will be in place before the start of the new academic year, when many students will take up residence. Like other homes, if eligible, permits will be restricted to two per household and this will help to further reduce congestion in the area."  

The price of a parking permit in Bath and North East Somerset is based on vehicle emissions. The council states that a permit for an average eight-year old 1.6L petrol or diesel family car will normally cost between £100 and £125 a year.

It could be as cheap as £50 a year for an electric vehicle or, for the very largest pre-2001 diesel engines, as expensive as £250. Permits are limited to two per property, with properties with their own off street parking eligible for less.

The residents parking zone will operate seven days a week from 8am to 6pm, but not at bank holidays. Double yellows and disabled bays will operate at all times, unless a sign indicates otherwise.

Blue badge holders will be able to park in permit holders only bays for any amount of time they need.

Permits purchased in Oldfield Park and Westmoreland for the July 31 start date will now begin from August 29 and last for the full duration purchased.

Bath's other new residents parking zone, covering Walcot, Snow Hill, and Claremont Road will still come into force on July 31.

You can apply for a residents parking permit here: https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/apply-residents-parking-permit