Bridgwater Town Council has expressed disappointment that Somerset Council intends to proceed with a 10% increase in parking charges, despite pausing the wider implementation of its new county-wide parking strategy.
While welcoming the decision to abandon proposals for Sunday parking charges and delay the introduction of a new charging structure, the Town Council believes the pause should be used to explore measures that actively support town centres and local businesses, including a trial of two hours’ free parking.
Councillor Mick Lerry, who proposed a motion opposing the parking charge increases at Bridgwater Town Council said,
“Somerset Council have paused their review once again, but it remains their intention to increase parking charges by 10%, which is above inflation. This increase will place additional pressure on Bridgwater town centre retailers and businesses at a time when they are already facing significant challenges.
“Rather than increasing costs for residents and visitors, Somerset Council should use this pause to trial two hours of free parking and assess the benefits it could bring to our town centre. If we want thriving high streets, we need to encourage people to visit and spend time in our town centres, not make it more expensive for them to do so.
“Somerset Council has spoken about the need for parking charges to be ‘fair and consistent’ across the county. However, simply levelling up charges risks being unfair to local businesses, retailers and residents who are already feeling the effects of increasing costs.”
The Town Council has consistently raised concerns about the impact that higher parking charges could have on Bridgwater’s economy and believes more should be done to support rather than discourage visits to the town centre.
Councillor Tim Mander, Chair of Bridgwater Town Council’s Transport Forum said,
“Whilst the one piece of good news is that Somerset Council has agreed to abandon the proposed Sunday parking charges, it is disappointing that it still wishes to proceed with a 10% increase in parking fees.
“Bridgwater’s traditional town centre is already under pressure and faces strong competition from nearby retail parks, many of which offer free parking. Bridgwater Town Council recently supported a motion calling for the first two hours of parking to be free in council-operated car parks, helping to create a level playing field and encourage more people to shop locally. Sadly, this suggestion has not been taken forward. We remain firmly of the view that introducing free parking for a limited period would provide a much-needed boost to businesses, increase footfall and demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting our high street.”
Bridgwater Town Council is urging Somerset Council to work more closely with town and parish councils, businesses and local stakeholders during the review period and to consider alternative approaches that prioritise economic growth and town centre regeneration.
The Town Council will continue to press for measures that support local businesses, attract visitors into Bridgwater and ensure that decisions on parking reflect the needs of local communities.