Parking Charge Protests Erupt in Somerset Over Proposed New Fees

Hey, listen to this news from Somerset. People are upset about new parking fees. The council wants to charge for parking everywhere. Daily parking would cost £2, and evening or night parking would cost £1.

These fees might start this autumn. Weekday parking charges would last past 6 p.m., and Sunday charges would start all day. Some free parking spots could also disappear. People really don’t like this change at all.

A council committee already said no to the fees. They want public input before acting. They also want to lessen the effects of the parking fees. The committee voted against the night fees unanimously.

About 100 folks protested on Saturday at Croft Way car park in Wiveliscombe. People circled the car park and chanted about not wanting parking fees. Milverton’s car parks are also involved.

One councillor said it’s a bad idea. People might park on streets to avoid paying, which would block access for residents. Shop owners worry people will leave Wiveliscombe and shop at big supermarkets instead.

The changes could start on October 1st. One plan is a £1 overnight parking charge, which might earn £100,000 in six months. Sunday parking charges may make £162,000, and charging in free car parks could get £175,000.

New on-street charges are also planned. Twenty minutes is free at first, then it’s £1 per hour. The daily rate would be £3, potentially earning £225,000.

A council member says it’s about fairness. He claims parking needs money to run. The extra money will help keep the parking open, staffed, and maintained well.

If the council approves it, people can give feedback. The final changes could happen around October 1st. The council will discuss the total budget on March 5th in Bridgwater.