By Local Democracy Reporter Daniel Mumby
It will cost Somerset Council nearly £1,500 per car park to review whether new parking charges should be introduced across the county.
The council’s executive committee agreed in March to begin a root-and-branch review of parking charges, which could see a new tiered pricing structure introduced for both on and off-street parking.
A total of £272,824 has been allocated from the council’s parking reserve to pay external consultants to gather evidence on car park usage and inform future proposals, which are expected to come before councillors in the autumn.
Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, who leads the opposition Conservative group, questioned whether the level of spending could be justified given other consultancy costs linked to the council’s transformation programme and changes to the Celebration Mile in Bridgwater.
He raised the issue at a recent meeting of the executive committee. He said, “We know the council is spending up to £20m on consultants to advise on how to save money, more £200,000 on consultants to advise on how much to charge residents to park their cars, and further sums on consultants to advise on road layout changes in Bridgwater.
“Can you confirm the council’s total spend on external consultants and advisory support since April 2023, and any committed or contracted expenditure, whether already spent or yet to be spent, and provide a breakdown by directorate or service area?”
Chris Hall, the council’s executive director for community, place and economy, said the review needed to be evidence-led and based on detailed local information. He said the work included surveys and analysis of car park usage and surrounding areas, as well as wider impacts of charging.
He added, “Collectively, the overall cost is in excess of £200,000 – and that equates to just under £1,500 per car park.”
The proposed tiered pricing system is intended to “encourage turnover and sustain-able travel into Somerset’s towns”, based on location and occupancy levels.
As an example, parking for one hour in a Tier 1 car park could cost £1.90, compared to £1.50 in a Tier 2 site, £1.30 in a Tier 3 site and free in a Tier 4 site.
More detailed proposals will be brought forward later in the year following the consultation work.
Pictured: Cattle Market Car Park – Google Maps
