Businesses along Hill Road and surrounding streets in Clevedon are celebrating after North Somerset Council decided to scrap plans to introduce on-street parking charges. The announcement comes as a relief to local traders who feared the fees would harm their livelihoods and deter shoppers.
Sandy Prater, owner of Fizz Gallery on Hill Road, expressed the collective sentiment of the community: “You could probably hear the collective sign of relief from all the traders and businesses.” Over the past year, Prater and other local business owners campaigned vigorously against the proposed charges, concerned about the scarcity of alternative parking nearby.
Despite initial council approval to implement charges in 2024, the decision was overturned following widespread opposition. Prater shared the moment she received news from the council leader: “My phone did not stop pinging with celebration messages and a huge sense of relief from all the businesses who had been worrying about the future.”
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David Sims of Books on the Hill echoed this optimism: “Hill Road is a little gem. It’s not easy even now, and this just means the environment and the community can keep going and hopefully thrive.”
The affected area—comprised of Hill Road, Alexandra Road, Bellevue Road, and Gardens Road—forms “the HAB,” a renowned neighborhood of independent shops distinct from Clevedon’s main town centre and located closer to the seafront. The council acknowledged the unique challenge posed by the lack of off-street parking in this area as a key reason for their reversal.
Local Conservative councillor Michael Pryke, a vocal opponent of the charges, welcomed the decision, calling it “a fantastic news for Clevedon’s small and independent businesses.” He criticized the broader parking charge policies affecting nearby towns as “vindictive” and urged their complete removal.
The controversy ignited further tension last month, when Clevedon Town Council instructed legal action to challenge the charges, a move that some feared could have resulted in costly court proceedings. Council leader Mike Bell highlighted these concerns, calling any legal battle a “scandalous waste of public money,” though the influence of the town council’s intervention remains unclear.
Council cabinet member Mark Canniford emphasized the council’s commitment to balance: “We are committed to working with our towns to ensure our approach to parking is suitable and sustainable, balancing the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.” He noted the special circumstances around the HAB area, reaffirming the decision not to impose charges there in light of current economic challenges.
While charges have been removed from Hill Road, Alexandra Road, Bellevue Road, and Gardens Road, the council will proceed with on-street parking fees on Elton Road and Old Church Road, which serve popular locations like Salthouse Fields and Marine Lake. Additionally, charges for council-operated car parks will be introduced in the summer as planned.
For Clevedon’s small business community, this is a significant victory—one that preserves the unique character of their neighborhood and supports its continued growth.