From January, parking fees in Somerset Council's paid-for car parks will rise by 10 per cent, marking the first increase in 17 months. A new tiered charging system, to be applied seven days a week, was agreed in March and will be implemented from autumn 2027.
This initiative follows a comprehensive review of the council's 120 chargeable car parks, which currently operate under varying rates and principles established before the creation of the unitary Somerset Council in 2023. An additional 42 car parks remain free to use.
The revised report and recommendations, incorporating feedback and providing adjustments for drivers, businesses, and communities, were approved by the Council’s Executive on Wednesday, 6 October. This follows discussions at the Council’s Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee last month.
Councillor Liz Leyshon, Lead Member for Finance, Procurement and Performance, stated that the deferral of the new tiered system for 12 months addresses concerns raised. She emphasised the need to rectify the current unfair system, where different former district councils applied distinct parking policies, leading to varied charges across the county. The aim is to establish a clearer, more consistent system while acknowledging local differences.
Practical measures are also being introduced, including upgraded payment machines, larger bays at Orchard Multi-Storey Car Park in Taunton, and a seven-day Park and Ride trial in Taunton, set to commence next year.
The Council’s Parking Services team will begin engaging with communities, local councillors, and stakeholders regarding options for existing free car parks from autumn 2027. Discussions on potential interventions for on-street parking changes are scheduled from January 2028. A review of existing parking permits and concessions is also underway.
Key recommendations include allocating up to £350,000 from the Parking Reserve for new payment machines and up to £150,000 for redesigning bays at Orchard Multi-Storey Car Park to accommodate larger and electric vehicles. A six-month trial for the Taunton Park and Ride service to operate seven days a week is also proposed.
Further proposals involve extending town-centre residents’ parking schemes and on-street restrictions from six to seven days before any seven-day off-street charging is introduced. A framework will also be established to enable city, town, and parish councils to support local parking objectives.
No immediate decisions will be made regarding the introduction of charges at currently free car parks. The council will first consult with communities, local councillors, businesses, and stakeholders on free car parks, on-street parking, permits, concessions, and future payment arrangements. Any proposed changes to parking or traffic regulation orders will undergo the relevant statutory consultation process.
