North Somerset Council has withdrawn its proposal to introduce on-street parking charges in Clevedon’s popular shopping areas of Hill Road and Alexandra Road following legal threats from the town council.
The initial plan to impose parking fees alarmed local independent retailers, prompting Clevedon Town Council to initiate judicial review proceedings against North Somerset Council last month.
In response, council cabinet member Mark Canniford confirmed the charges would not proceed. “North Somerset is a listening council, and we are committed to working with our towns to ensure that our approach to parking is suitable and sustainable,” he stated.
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David Sims, owner of Books on the Hill on Hill Road and a prominent opponent of the charges, expressed his relief and satisfaction at the reversal. “Hill Road is a little gem. It’s not easy even now, so preserving this environment and community is vital for it to thrive,” he said.
Hill Road and Alexandra Road form a distinct commercial district near the seafront, known for their independent shops and unlike the main town centre. Canniford highlighted the challenges posed by the area’s lack of dedicated car parks, emphasizing the need for policies that support local businesses without imposing undue burdens on visitors.
“In today’s economic climate, supporting the local economy and ensuring accessible growth opportunities is more important than ever,” Canniford added. “After listening to community concerns, we acknowledge that introducing on-street charges here would create additional difficulties.”
While the council’s statement did not directly mention the judicial review, council leader Mike Bell recently described the prospect of legal action between councils as “a scandalous waste of public money” during a BBC Radio Bristol interview.
Bell had previously defended the parking charges as necessary amid budget pressures, including an 8.99% council tax increase to address rising social care costs and reduced government funding. Noting financial constraints, Bell remarked in the 2024 council executive meeting, “We cannot justify subsidising parking when we are having to cut care services for vulnerable adults and children.”
The council’s revised plan removes Hill Road, Alexandra Road, Bellevue Road, and Gardens Road from the on-street parking charges scheme. However, charges will still apply on Elton Road and Old Church Road, key parking areas for Salthouse Fields and Marine Lake, and changes to council car park fees remain scheduled for implementation this summer.