Somerset Council is considering introducing a new ‘tiered’ pricing structure for both on- and off-street parking throughout the county, prompting concerns from local residents and business owners about potential negative effects on rural communities.
In March, the council’s executive committee agreed to conduct a comprehensive review of car parking charges across Somerset. To support this, a budget of £272,824 has been allocated from the council’s parking reserve to employ external consultants tasked with collecting detailed data on car park usage. This includes monitoring occupancy levels and turnover rates, with the aim of informing more tailored pricing proposals.
Axbridge resident Graham Godwin-Pearson voiced apprehensions about how the introduction of parking fees in currently free areas might affect small towns like Axbridge and nearby villages such as Cheddar. He warned that such charges could discourage shoppers, visitors, families, and hikers, potentially damaging local retail and hospitality sectors that are vital to the area’s economy, especially given the significance of tourism near the Mendip Hills.
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Speaking at the council’s executive committee meeting in Taunton on 5 August, Mr Godwin-Pearson emphasised the need for transparency and evidence-based decision-making. He called for the methodology and detailed findings regarding parking patterns, financial implications, and economic impacts to be shared publicly with stakeholders-including parish and town councils, businesses, and residents-before any final recommendations are made.
“There is remarkably little evidence that introducing parking charges in small rural communities improves parking management or supports local economies,” he stated. “Any changes must be backed by clear evidence showing benefits that outweigh risks to independent businesses and the visitor economy.”
Mr Godwin-Pearson, formerly a Conservative councillor for the Axevale ward on Sedgemoor District Council from 2019 to 2023, also raised concerns about the consultation process, questioning whether town and parish councils would be sufficiently involved beyond informal discussions. He requested clarity on when such engagement takes place, the information shared, and whether responses from these councils will be made publicly available alongside the forthcoming October report.
Local businesses are already facing challenges due to rising business rates and national insurance contributions. Enterprises such as the Cider Barn in Draycott and the Petruth Paddocks campsite near Cheddar have reported difficulties remaining viable under the current economic pressures.
In response, Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for highways and transport, stressed the council’s commitment to balancing the needs of rural businesses with those of urban centres. Representing Curry Rivel and Langport, he explained that the parking principles approved in March recognise the importance of supporting town centre vitality, accessibility, and sustainable travel, while acknowledging the unique characteristics of rural locations.
Councillor Wilkins noted that the upcoming report, scheduled for discussion in September, will present proposed tier allocations for existing chargeable car parks along with recommendations for other free car parks and on-street parking spots where appropriate. This report will be informed by the latest survey evidence and assessments, and it will outline plans for further engagement and consultation before any changes are implemented.
Additionally, the proposals will be reviewed by the council’s climate, environment and place scrutiny committee on Thursday, 3 September, ensuring wider consideration of environmental and community impacts.
Initial proposals from the review are expected to be published in early September, with final decisions anticipated later that month following executive committee debates.