Somerset Parking Charges Review Sparks Concern Over Possible Increases

Somerset Drivers Face Parking Charge Changes as Council Review Continues

Somerset Parking Charges Review Sparks Concern Over Possible Increases Somerset residents have raised concerns about proposed changes to parking charges, with one resident warning that higher fees could discourage visitors and put additional pressure on local businesses. Somerset Council is carrying out a county-wide review of parking charges, with proposals for a new tiered structure covering both on-street and off-street parking. The review follows the council's decision to examine its parking arrangements across more than 200 council-run car parks, which currently have different charging systems inherited from the former councils. Potential changes to Somerset parking charges Somerset Council has been developing a county-wide charging framework designed to create a more consistent approach to parking fees. The council says the review is intended to establish fairer and more consistent charging while ensuring the parking service can cover the costs of running and maintaining its car parks. Detailed proposals have been developed following the review, but the final charging arrangements have not yet been confirmed. The issue was raised at Somerset Council's full council meeting on 16 September, where Axbridge resident and former councillor Graham Godwin-Pearson questioned whether enough attention had been given to local circumstances. He said proposed increases could have a significant effect in some rural areas, particularly where there are limited public transport alternatives. Concerns over businesses and town-centre parking Godwin-Pearson warned that higher parking charges could affect visitor numbers and local businesses. He specifically referred to Cheddar, where he said a proposed increase could be around 50%, and argued that some visitors could choose not to come or could look for free parking on nearby residential streets. The comments reflect a wider concern for drivers and communities whenever parking charges change: higher prices can influence where people choose to park and how long they stay. Somerset Council's parking review is also considering how different charging arrangements could work across the county rather than applying one identical tariff everywhere. Council says more consultation is needed Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's portfolio holder for highways and transport, said the authority understood there was considerable interest and concern about the proposed changes. He said the council had inherited different parking practices across Somerset and was working towards a more consistent charging structure. Wilkins also said feedback received through the review process would help inform the final recommendations, while statutory consultation would take place before any changes to fees and charges were introduced. That means drivers should not treat the reported potential increases as final parking tariffs yet. The council's wider parking review is therefore likely to remain an important issue for drivers, businesses and visitors as Somerset works towards its final recommendations. For motorists travelling into Somerset's towns and villages, checking parking options and charges before setting off can help avoid unexpected costs, particularly when visiting an unfamiliar area. EveryonesParking can help drivers plan ahead by finding suitable parking before they travel, giving motorists another option when local car parks are busy or charging arrangements change.