A growing backlash over Somerset Council’s proposed parking changes has seen more than 2,000 people add their names to an open letter calling for the plans to be reconsidered.
The campaign, launched by Somerset Conservatives, urges the Council to rethink a package of proposals that would introduce increases to parking tariffs alongside new Sunday charging in towns where council‑owned car parks are currently free.
The plans form part of a wider review that could also see charges introduced at some currently free car parks, as well as potential new on‑street parking fees in communities including Burnham‑On‑Sea and Highbridge. Under the proposed tariff system, several towns face rises.
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.
Burnham-On-Sea’s main council car parks already charge on Sundays, but increases are also planned. At Oxford Street, all‑day parking would rise from £5.80 to £6.80.
The open letter, now backed by more than 2,000 people, calls on Somerset Council’s Liberal Democrat administration to keep Sunday parking free where no charge currently applies, reconsider the proposed tariff increases, retain free car parks as free, and avoid introducing new on‑street charges without the support of affected communities and businesses.
Brent Knoll councillor Bob Filmer, who is Somerset Conservatives’ Opposition Spokesman for Transport, pictured, says he has raised concerns about the impact the changes could have on town centres.
“I have raised my concerns about what these changes could mean for the vitality and viability of our town centres. At a time when local businesses are already under pressure, the Council should be supporting our towns, not making them more expensive to visit,” he adds.
Cllr Diogo Rodrigues, Leader of the Conservative Opposition, criticised the Council for allocating £272,824 to consultants for the parking review, adding: “This is about plugging the black hole in the Council’s finances, not about supporting our town centres and local businesses. The Liberal Democrats need to think again.”
There are also proposals to extend charging onto streets. Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge are identified as a high-priority area, with potential future charges across Burnham town centre including the Esplanade, Regent Street, College Street, Cross Street, Adam Street, Vicarage Street, South Street and Pier Street, together with all-year pay-and-display on the seafront.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, defended the plans, saying: “This is fundamentally about fairness and consistency across Somerset. As a unitary authority we inherited a range of different practices in different towns. It is only right that all our car parks are part of the same charging structure, where the same rules are applied to everyone.”
“Within the different tiers there is plenty of room to accommodate different types of car park and usage, to reflect the role of each car park in supporting the local economy, including free provision for some of the time, as well as lower tariffs in less premium and more rural areas.”
“Tariffs at the busier end of the spectrum in bigger centres are aimed at encouraging turnover and sustainable travel into Somerset’s towns.”
“We use parking fees and charges to support local economies, help minimise the adverse environmental impacts of traffic and support the operation of the parking service.”
