Somerset Parking Changes May Hurt Local Businesses, Tourism Chair Warns

Giles Adams talked with the County Gazette. This discussion covered upcoming parking changes. Free parking could disappear from some towns. Parking charges may start on Sundays and at night.

Mr. Adams promotes Somerset tourism. He thinks these changes are a bad idea. He suggests officials don’t value town centers and should protect struggling independent shops.

Somerset Council will review parking fees, affecting about 200 car parks. They want to make fees consistent across Somerset. This is the first review since 2023.

Adams doubts the “consistency” claim. He noted retail parks offer free parking, favoring large stores over smaller ones. He called the plan a “dystopian future.”

The council will debate this on February 24, 2025. A consultation should follow that meeting.

Visit Somerset’s chair voiced several worries. He’s concerned about the impact on businesses, mentioning rising National Insurance and wages, showing little care for the role of businesses.

Independent businesses in Taunton are also worried. They fear less trade due to these changes, as the council plans Sunday charges at 63 car parks too.

Adams added more concerns, saying people visiting locals in the evenings will pay, as will churchgoers on Sundays. This could increase street parking and cause conflict. Evening venues will face more trouble, and parking officers must work Sundays. He questioned the community value of this plan.