Somerset Council proposes new county-wide parking charge structure

Somerset Council parking charges parking review Sunday parking fees local government policy

Somerset Council is advancing a proposal to implement a new county-wide parking charges structure, which could take effect as early as December. The plan, known as the Somerset Parking Review and Charging Principles Framework, aims to create a consistent pricing model across different towns to address existing disparities.

The proposed system utilizes a five-tier pricing structure based on the location and usage of each car park. Tier 1 includes high-demand town center locations, while Tier 4 covers rural and village areas, which would retain free parking for the first hour. Tier 5 is reserved for custom sites such as residential or EV-specific locations.

A key component of the proposal is the introduction of seven-day-a-week charges, which would potentially end free Sunday parking in areas such as Taunton, Yeovil, and Bridgwater. The council's Executive is scheduled to vote on these changes on 23 September.

The move has faced opposition from local leaders. Tim Mander, chair of Bridgwater Town Council, expressed firm opposition to Sunday charges, noting that free parking serves as an incentive for visitors to use local shops and facilities. Councillor Richard Wilkins, the council’s Lead Member for Highways and Transport, defended the plan as a means to ensure fairness and consistency across the unitary authority.

Entities

Bridgwater · Richard Wilkins · Somerset Council · Taunton · Tim Mander

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] The new tariffs could be introduced in December. www.burnham-on-sea.com · www.somerset.gov.uk · ca.news.yahoo.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Bridgwater Town Council is firmly opposed to the introduction of Sunday charges. ca.news.yahoo.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Charges will apply seven days a week to all existing chargeable car parks. www.burnham-on-sea.com · www.somerset.gov.uk · ca.news.yahoo.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Tier 4 rural/village locations will maintain free parking for the first hour. www.burnham-on-sea.com · www.somerset.gov.uk · ca.news.yahoo.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Car parks will be organized into a five-tier pricing structure based on location and usage. www.burnham-on-sea.com · www.somerset.gov.uk · ca.news.yahoo.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Somerset Council is proposing a new county-wide parking charges structure. www.burnham-on-sea.com · www.somerset.gov.uk · ca.news.yahoo.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The council's Executive will vote on the changes on 23 September. ca.news.yahoo.com

Sources

Somerset Council’s county‑wide parking charge overhaul moves a step closer [www.burnham-on-sea.com]

16 days ago

Plans for new Somerset parking charges move forward to next stage [www.burnhamandhighbridgeweeklynews.co.uk]

16 days ago

Somerset parking review moves to next stage [www.somerset.gov.uk]

17 days ago

Free Sunday parking could end by December [ca.news.yahoo.com]

16 days ago