Council review could see tiered parking charges

A council is going to review car parking charges across the county, which includes plans for a tiered pricing structure.

Somerset Council has approved the review on Wednesday, which comes after councillors voted down proposals for Sunday car parking charges last year.

The proposed tiered charging structure would see car parks placed within a sliding scale of fees depending on location and it would apply seven days a week.

Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste services Richard Wilkins said: "At the moment we still have very different charging systems depending on where you are in Somerset – this new approach would offer a uniform policy."

Wilkins added: "It's vital we get this right. We will confirm the tiers as well as the charging once this process is concluded, later in the year."

Following this week's decision there will now be comprehensive survey and information gathering exercise across all of Somerset's 200 Council-run car parks, as well as on-street parking locations.

A report will be brought back to the council later in the year on the suggested pricing for various levels before a consultation process begins with communities.

Any proposals signed off by the Council will need to go through the statutory Traffic Regulation Order consultation process.

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