Councillors in North Somerset are expressing concerns over proposed parking charges that could impact residents and businesses in the area. The Parking Management Strategy and Action Plan consultation, which is open for seven weeks until May 7, has been initiated to address a funding gap and enhance car park maintenance.
Independent councillors in Portishead have united in opposition to the proposal, citing worries about increased costs for households and infrastructure across the town. The potential introduction of charges in Clevedon, Nailsea, and Portishead, including specific locations and on-street areas, has raised apprehension among the affected communities.
The councillors are urging residents to participate in the consultation and share their viewpoints on the proposed parking charges and the introduction of a new short-stay parking permit. Feedback from the consultation will be integral to shaping the parking proposals and ultimately influencing the council’s decision-making process.
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Meanwhile, business owners are encouraged to provide input regarding the potential impact of parking charges on their operations and employees. The Executive Member for Highways and Transport at North Somerset Council emphasized the importance of gathering diverse perspectives to inform the final decisions on the parking proposals.
As part of cost-saving measures to address a significant funding gap, the council aims to use parking charges to cover maintenance costs, enhance on-street parking enforcement, and promote sustainable travel options.
Residents and stakeholders are urged to participate in the consultation before the deadline and attend the drop-in information events to actively contribute to shaping the future of parking management in North Somerset.