Councillors have agreed to look into city centre parking charges after receiving a petition signed by 1,400 Bath businesses and residents.
The campaigners were arguing that shoppers were being put off by the high cost of both on-street parking and car parks, meaning some traders were losing customers.
The matter was discussed at a full meeting of Bath and North East Somerset Council members on Thursday, sparking a debate on the issue.
Cabinet members have now been asked to look into whether changes can be made to encourage people to shop in Bath city centre.
The motion asked the cabinet to "take into serious consideration the proposals of the petitioners, and in particular seek to reduce or remove the new 'ultra-premium' on-street parking zones".
It also asked that cheaper or free parking is introduced in the evenings.
Tim Newark, from the Bath branch of the Taxpayers' Alliance, had helped to organise the petition and welcomed the action by the council.
He said: "I'm delighted with the clear support of the council for our petition. It is a victory for common sense and independent shops and restaurants in Bath.
"Obviously, these changes will not happen overnight and the cabinet has to approve them, but it is a big step in the right direction to make Bath attractive to shoppers who prefer to drive into the city - not everyone wants to use a bus or bicycle, it is not always practical."
Many of the people who had supported the petition were independent business owners from areas including Walcot Street and Broad Street.
Mr Newark added: "The curtailing of parking charges after 6pm will make a big difference to the evening economy, helping independent restaurants in particular, as well as enabling people to enjoy our city.
"Sadly, the motion did not embrace our boldest suggestion - a free first half hour of parking in the city centre. This would encourage customers to pop in and browse."
Councillor Anthony Clarke (Con, Lansdown) said: "It's right that the council should find ways to reduce the number of vehicles needing to come into the centre of Bath, but simply hiking up the cost of parking isn't the best way to do it.
"Hopefully the council will now listen to these concerns and bring the cost of parking at these locations and in the evening back to a more reasonable level."
