Bath and North East Somerset Council has not conducted any focused studies on how new parking charges are affecting small businesses in Midsomer Norton and Radstock. Last year, the council introduced emissions-based parking fees in previously free car parks in these towns—a move that sparked significant controversy among local shop owners who feared it would damage their businesses.
At a recent council scrutiny panel, Councillor Eleanor Jackson (Westfield, Labour) questioned whether any assessment had been made regarding the impact on small businesses. She highlighted concerns from business owners who claim the parking charges are “the last straw” and struggling with the cost, particularly for staff parking.
Council officers responded that no specific research into the small business impact has been done. Instead, they rely on national data and insights from the Association of Town Centre Management, which has found no direct correlation between low parking charges and the economic health of towns. The council assured that monitoring would continue and that any new evidence would be taken into account.
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The council emphasized that well-managed parking systems are known nationally to encourage vehicle turnover, enhancing economic vitality in market towns. They acknowledged the delicate balance between accommodating those who drive and others who rely on public transport, highlighting the ongoing challenge of fair parking policies.
The emissions-based parking charges were implemented in March 2025 at South Road car park in Midsomer Norton and Church Street and Waterloo Road car parks in Radstock. To address public concerns, a two-hour free parking limit was introduced as a compromise.
This system, which adds fees based on a vehicle’s emissions level, was first used in Bath’s car parks in 2023. Before the rollout to Midsomer Norton and Radstock, Councillor Jackson voiced her concern that the charges would disproportionately impact lower-income residents unable to afford electric vehicles, likening the charges to tactics of the Sheriff of Nottingham.