A heated legal dispute is set to unfold over the introduction of parking fees at Clevedon’s town centre car parks. Since June 1, North Somerset Council has imposed charges at the Marson Road and Great Western Road East and West car parks, sparking concern among local business owners and residents.
Daniel Adams, proprietor of Stationery House on the Triangle, has initiated a self-funded statutory review to challenge the council’s decision. Stressing fairness and legality, Adams says, “This challenge isn’t about whether parking charges are good or bad in principle. It’s about ensuring local authorities follow a fair and lawful process that respects the interests of residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Earlier this year, plans to introduce on-street parking fees around Hill Road were shelved following threatened legal action from Clevedon Town Council. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell expressed frustration, calling any court conflict between the two councils “a scandalous waste of public money.”
READ MORE: Massive Seagull Flocks Drawn by Man’s Excessive Feeding Sparks Council Action in Clevedon
READ MORE: Cheddar Reservoir Closed Amid Extreme Heat Warning
Despite Adams' challenge, the council plans to vigorously defend its position in court and has warned it may seek to recover legal costs if victorious. A council spokesperson confirmed a legal challenge regarding the traffic regulation order for Clevedon car parks is due to be heard on June 26 at the Bristol Civil Justice Centre. The court will evaluate evidence from both parties before determining next steps.
Adams has criticized the council for installing ticket machines and starting to charge for parking before the legal review was resolved, calling it “astonishing.” The council responded by noting that the machines could be repurposed elsewhere if the review fails.
The decision to introduce parking fees was made by the council cabinet in 2024, extending charges to Clevedon, Nailsea, and Portishead. Officials argue the move promotes “fairness,” referencing that Weston-super-Mare already enforces such charges. However, councillors from the newly charged towns have cautioned that their economic environments differ significantly. Since the introduction of parking charges in Nailsea, businesses report a roughly 30% drop in foot traffic.
Adams warned, “Nailsea’s experience should serve as a cautionary tale. Local business data shows reduced footfall, declining turnover, and growing worries about the future of the town centre. At a time when high streets face enormous challenges, imposing parking charges before concluding the legal process seems reckless and economically short-sighted.”
Current parking fees at Marson Road and Great Western Road range from £1 for an hour to £3.50 for an all-day stay, with charges enforced Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm.
The High Court hearing will take place on June 26 at the Bristol Civil Justice Centre, where the fate of Clevedon’s parking charges will be debated.