A legal confrontation between councils over parking fees has been described as a “scandalous waste of public money” by North Somerset Council’s leader. The conflict centers on North Somerset Council’s proposal to introduce on-street parking charges in Clevedon, a move strongly opposed by Clevedon Town Council and local businesses alike.
Clevedon Town Council has initiated a judicial review aiming to halt the introduction of these charges. This decision follows widespread concern from local traders who fear the fees will harm their businesses. A petition signed by over 4,300 residents urged North Somerset Council to reconsider, with many Hill Road business owners warning that the charges could force shops to close.
Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, criticized the decision to pursue legal action, calling it “a very unhelpful move.” Speaking on BBC Radio Bristol, he emphasized that the legal battle would divert taxpayers’ money away from productive solutions: “Taxpayers’ money is now going to be spent on legal fees — both by the town council and by North Somerset — rather than trying to sort things out.”
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Bell expressed hope the matter could be resolved without going to court, stating, “What we should be doing is sitting round the table talking. That is what we’ve been trying to do from North Somerset.” He acknowledged the council’s challenging financial position, reiterating the need to balance free parking with funding essential services.
The proposed charges would affect streets such as Hill Road, Alexandra Road, Bellevue Road, and Gardens Road—areas populated by independent shops that have voiced major concerns. Parking fees are set at £1.50 per hour, £2.50 for two hours, and £3.50 for a maximum stay of three hours. Additional charges are planned for Elton Road and Old Church Road, near key local landmarks like Salthouse Fields and the marine lake.
Traders in nearby Nailsea, which recently introduced similar parking fees, reported a 30% drop in footfall since the charges took effect, fueling fears that Clevedon could face a similar economic impact.
Despite the opposition, Bell defended the decision, emphasizing that North Somerset Council must consider its financial challenges: “We cannot subsidize free car parking across the district at the expense of vital services and our financial pressures. But we are really happy to continue having conversations about what can work and what’s the most effective way.” He stressed the council’s commitment to supporting vibrant town centres and local businesses.