Introducing car parking charges on Sundays across Somerset could cause lasting harm to the county’s town centres, warns a local church leader. The Somerset Council recently consulted residents on a plan to extend Sunday car park fees, aligning with existing charges from prior borough councils. This move aims to create a uniform parking strategy and generate an estimated £730,000 annually for frontline services.
However, opposition is strong among councillors and community figures, who fear Sunday charges will deter shoppers, diners, and churchgoers—groups vital to the economic and social life of Somerset’s struggling high streets.
Judith Butler, pastor at Kingdom Faith Church in Taunton, addressed the council’s climate and place scrutiny committee on November 19, highlighting community concerns. She pointed out that nearly 93% of consultation participants opposed the proposed charges. Her congregation of around 200 members regularly parks at High Street and The Crescent car parks on Sundays, drawing attendees from neighboring towns such as Bridgwater, Yeovil, and Minehead. Many parishioners combine attending services with shopping and dining in Taunton, which benefits local businesses.
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“Imposing a £2.60 fee for just a two-hour church service will likely prevent many from staying for lunch or shopping, or may discourage attendance altogether,” Butler explained. She also noted that her church supports vital community projects like a baby bank costing £425 monthly, which could suffer funding cuts if parking fees reduce attendance.
Councillor John Hunt (Independent) echoed these concerns, calling the public’s opposition “overwhelming” and questioning the value of the consultation if it is ignored. Other councillors voiced similar fears, emphasizing that town centres face challenges from online retail and competing out-of-town shopping parks with free parking.
The council distinguishes between on-street parking income, which must be reinvested in parking and highway maintenance, and off-street parking revenue, which can support any frontline services.
Following a lengthy debate, the scrutiny committee recommended against introducing Sunday parking charges. The council’s executive committee will further discuss the proposal on December 3, with a final decision by the full council on December 17.