The Somerset Conservative Group is deeply concerned about the recent decision by Lib-Dem run Somerset Council to implement a drastic increase in car parking charges across the county, with Minehead & Frome serving as a stark examples where some shoppers will face around a 25% surge in parking fees. This decision, affecting Somerset as a whole, raises serious apprehensions regarding its impact on the cost of living and the local economy.
The sudden escalation in parking charges puts an undue burden on Somerset residents, threatening household budgets and adding unnecessary strain. Hardworking families and individuals, who rely on affordable parking options, will be disproportionately affected by these exorbitant increases.
By implementing such steep charges, the council risks jeopardising the livelihoods of local businesses, especially small businesses already grappling with post-pandemic recovery. Discouraging shoppers and visitors from coming to Somerset’s vibrant town centres could precipitate a decline in footfall, undermining economic growth and putting jobs at risk.
The Conservative Opposition Spokesman for Transport & Digital, Councillor Diogo Rodrigues, wanted to call-in the decision before it was implemented to allow for proper scrutiny. He said he was concerned about an "imbalance" in how parking charges would increase across the county, claiming that the ten per cent increase would not be uniformly applied.
"There seems to be an imbalance in increased charges, with no explanation as to why such imbalance has been introduced. For example, in Minehead, parking for four hours in the Quay Street Car Park was £4.40, and soon it will be £5.50 - a 25 per cent increase. In contrast, parking for four hours at the Fons George Car Park in Taunton is currently £4.40 and will soon become £4.80 - a nine per cent increase". The call-in was rejected by the chairman of the Scrutiny committee, Green Party Councillor, Martin Dimery, which Councillor Rodrigues called the wrong decision.
The Somerset Conservative Group urges the Lib-Dem run Somerset Council to reconsider its decision, take into account the potential long-term consequences it may have on the cost of living and town centre economies and adopt a more measured approach. While recognising the need for revenue generation, such an indiscriminate increase in parking charges is not the most effective solution, and we encourage the council to explore alternative methods of income generation that do not burden Somerset residents or hinder economic growth.
