Burnham-On-Sea MP Ashley Fox has urged Somerset Council to rethink its plans to introduce new parking charges across the area, warning that the proposals risk harming town centres and placing extra pressure on rural communities.
The MP said parking may not seem like the biggest political issue, but it matters to people across Bridgwater, Burnham-On-Sea, Highbridge and surrounding villages. He highlighted several areas where motorists would face higher costs under the council’s new tariff structure.
In Highbridge, Bank Street car park currently charges Monday to Saturday, with all‑day parking costing £4.60. Under the proposed changes, that would rise to £6.80, with charging extended to Sundays for the first time.
“For somebody who simply wants to spend a Sunday in Highbridge, visit local businesses or see friends and family, that is a new cost where there currently isn’t one,” he said.
Burnham-On-Sea’s main council car parks already charge on Sundays, but increases are still planned. At Oxford Street, all‑day parking would rise from £5.80 to £6.80.
However, Mr Fox said his biggest concern is what could follow. Somerset Council’s own documents classify Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge as a “high” priority for on‑street parking intervention, proposing charges in currently free limited‑waiting areas across the town centre.
“My message is simple: leave Burnham-On-Sea alone,” he said. “Our town centres need people coming through their doors. Somerset Council should be supporting traders and encouraging visitors – not giving them another reason to stay away.”
He also warned that rural communities would be disproportionately affected. “If you live in villages such as Chedzoy or Over Stowey, driving into town for shopping, appointments and services is often a necessity, not a choice. Penalising motorists also means penalising rural communities that do not have adequate public transport alternatives.”
Mr Fox said his position is clear: no new Sunday charges where parking is currently free, a rethink of the proposed price increases, and the removal of plans to extend on‑street charging across Burnham-On-Sea.
A Somerset Council spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “As a unitary authority we inherited a range of different practices for parking in different towns and are developing proposals for a fair, consistent charging structure across the county.”
“We need to process the feedback we have received following last week’s Scrutiny meeting, which will help inform the final recommendations put to Executive at a date to be confirmed.”
