Shopkeepers on Hill Road in Clevedon are sounding the alarm that proposed parking charges by North Somerset Council could devastate the vibrant street’s independent businesses, risking boarded-up shops within five years.
A petition backed by over 4,300 residents was presented at the council meeting on November 11, urging councillors to reconsider the move to introduce paid on-street parking on Hill Road. Tristan Merriam from Doghead Designs warned that introducing charges would dramatically reduce the spontaneous foot traffic that local shops depend on.
“My business thrives on people popping in while out walking dogs or running errands. If parking isn’t free, people will think twice and simply choose to go elsewhere—somewhere free and more convenient,” said Merriam. “If the council proceeds, Hill Road could become unrecognisable in just five years: boarded up and empty.”
READ MORE: M5 Delays Lift After Crash Near Service Station
READ MORE: Vehicle Catches Fire on A303 in Somerset
Hill Road, known for its collection of independent shops, lies uphill from Clevedon Pier and lacks nearby car parks, making free street parking critical for visitors who travel by car.
Councillor Michael Pryke echoed these concerns, likening the parking charge proposal to the prior Clevedon seafront controversy. “Residents are shouting loud and clear, yet the council seems deaf to their concerns,” he said, emphasizing that charges may just shift congestion rather than improve turnover.
Local business owners joined the call to action. Sandy Prater of Fizz Gallery confessed this is the most anxious moment in her 20 years on Hill Road, even surpassing worries from the 2008 recession. Devvon Wilsher-Day from So Gorgeous Bridal emphasized the importance of preserving this unique heritage shopping area for the local community, noting, “Clevedon cannot afford another blow. We’re not a city with extensive transport or tourism—we rely on locals.”
David Sims of Books on the Hill condemned the council’s handling of the scheme as flawed and legally questionable, joining broader opposition across North Somerset following the council’s controversial October 2024 decision to introduce parking fees in multiple areas.
The parking charges are part of North Somerset Council’s strategy to address a significant £25 million budget shortfall, mainly driven by rising social care costs. Council leader Mike Bell justified the move by saying, “We can’t keep subsidising parking when critical care services face cuts.”
As the debate continues, councillors have agreed to monitor the impact of the charges closely and implement mitigations if necessary. Yet for many Hill Road businesses, the threat of losing essential free parking poses an existential risk to a treasured community hub.