A review of car parking charges across Somerset has been given the green light by Somerset Council’s executive.
It includes proposals for a new tiered pricing structure for both on-street and off-street parking. This would see car parks placed within a sliding scale of fees depending on location
The new charging structure would apply seven days a week but if adopted would still include periods of free parking for some car parks. Any introduction of fees to existing free car parks would be evidence-based following discussions with local businesses, council members, town, city and parish councils and other stakeholders.
There will now be comprehensive survey and information gathering exercise across all of Somerset’s 200 council-run car parks, as well as on-street parking locations.
A report will be brought back to Executive later in the year on the suggested pricing for various tiers before a locally based consultation process can begin with communities.
Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, Councillor Richard Wilkins said, “During the last year we have been working hard to establish a system of parking fees which is more consistent across Somerset.
“We are committed to a county-wide town by town review to help us build a new charging structure for on-street and off-street parking based on what is right for towns and communities – we accept that not all car parks are used in the same way, so we are looking at a proposal which places them in one of five tiers depending on location and usage.
“At the moment we still have very different charging systems depending on where you are in Somerset – this new approach would offer a uniform policy which is consistent but is not a one-size fits all approach. It is aimed at encouraging turnover and sustainable travel into Somerset’s towns.
“It’s vital we get this right. We will confirm the tiers as well as the charging once this process is concluded, later in the year.”
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