Parking fees may change in Somerset. New charges for free car parks are possible to raise revenue.
Some people think this could hurt town centers, and they worry people will stop visiting shops.
The council will discuss this on February 24, 2025. A public vote will follow if they approve it.
They plan new charges for currently free car parks. Overnight parking fees will be county-wide, and standard Sunday charges will apply to all car parks. Expect on-street charges in some town centers.
Councillor Wilkins says running car parks costs money. He wants fair charges across Somerset, and income will help the parking service pay for itself.
Free car parks may soon cost £2 a day. This includes car parks in Somerton and Crewkerne, and many busy car parks also face Sunday charges. Taunton and Yeovil are included in this change.
Andy Dingwall called the plan short-sighted, and he thinks shops will suffer. He says people pay more for less from the council.
Mandy Chilcott said the council struggles with finances. She says uniting the council didn’t help, and now, residents must pay more. This parking plan boosts the council’s income.
The council needs £66 million for 2025/26, and the government let them raise council tax by 7.5%.