Evening car park charges dropped as hundreds object

Plans to bring in evening and overnight charges at Somerset Council car parks have been dropped after hundreds of residents and businesses objected.

But the council still plans to introduce charges at car parks which are currently free, like Langport and Wiveliscombe, and to charge at all its car parks on Sundays.

The authority is proposing the changes because different rates currently apply across its car parks.

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

More than 2,200 people signed a petition, started by Taunton businesswoman Susie Thomas, which said the proposals were being "rushed through under cover of financial emergency and budget setting" and had been subject to "inadequate debate and scrutiny".

Ms Thomas said there had been no prior consultation with businesses and the proposed changes were a "very real risk" to Taunton's nightlife, cultural scene and town centre economy.

Members of the council's scrutiny committee had also previously voted against the proposals saying they were "premature" and needed more work.

Business owners and residents, including in Milverton, Wiveliscombe and Langport, have said they fear plans to scrap free parking could "frighten away shoppers", meaning the loss of footfall and income.

At Monday's executive meeting councillors agreed to provide free parking for up to 30 minutes in new on-street limited waiting bays.

Lead member for transport, Lib Dem Councillor Richard Wilkins, said: "We have inherited a parking estate with big differences across the county.

"For example, in Williton, Sunday parking is charged the same as the rest of the week, whereas in Wellington it is free on Sundays.

"Meanwhile in Wiveliscombe, car parking is free all week and Wincanton Town Council pays for its car park to be free. Is it right that those paying to park in some towns are subsidising free parking in other towns?

He added: "We need to bring fairness and uniformity in parking practice across the county and in turn the extra income will help ensure the parking service is fully self-financed and can continue to be run, staffed and maintained properly."

The proposals will now go out to a public consultation before a final decision.

Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.