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Sunday car park charges 'pushed back' by council

Ruth BradleyPolitics reporter, in Taunton
News imageBBC A green path down the middle of the shot, with cars either side. In the background are office buildings.BBC
Cars will be able to park for free on Sundays in some parts of Somerset

Proposed Sunday parking charges branded a "big mistake" by shopkeepers have been voted down by councillors.

Charges were due to be introduced at Somerset Council car parks on Sundays in Taunton, Yeovil and Bridgwater, but the plans faced strong opposition during a public consultation, including some concern from shopkeepers and church leaders.

Somerset Council initially proposed changes due to different rates currently applied across the county by previous local authorities.

Councillors had been expected to approve the new charges at a meeting in Taunton, but instead voted to review all parking arrangements across the county next year.

News imageCouncillor Wilkins is stood looking at the camera in a car park, gesturing at a green edge car parking prices sign behind him. He's wearing a checked shirt and grey overcoat.
Councillor Richard Wilkins wants charges to be 'equitable' across the county

Richard Wilkins, the lead councillor for transport at Somerset Council, told the BBC: "We've taken the decision to not progress a Sunday parking [charge] at this point.

"We want to look at it in the round - we want to address all the concerns and all the issues and have a much more complete rounded view to take forward."

A review could include Sunday charges, but will also look at other options for the 200 council-run car parks which have a variety of difference arrangements inherited from former local councils.

It said the aim was to "bring consistency" and ensure the service remained "completely self-funded".

However, businesses said the introduction of new parking charges in the towns could impact footfall and staffing.

A consultation on the plans was held in September and October, with almost 93% of the 4,200 respondents either disagreeing or strongly disagreeing.

News imageA car parking sign stating it is a 'pay and display' car park. Next to it is a car parked up, while on the right is a grey building.
The council will now look into its parking fees across the whole county

Somerset Council estimated the implementation of the charges across the county would raise £730,000 of additional funding every year.

Despite this, the council said it was not a money-making exercise - rules state that parking cannot be used simply to raise revenue.

Any income from enforcement fines has to be used for transport related initiatives.

Income from car parking tickets can be used for general council spending once all car park costs have been covered.

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