Local Conservative campaigner Graham Godwin-Pearson has warned that introducing parking charges in currently free car parks could damage rural communities, local businesses and Somerset's visitor economy.
Somerset Council is carrying out a county-wide review of parking charges, including consideration of existing free car parks and on-street parking.
The Council has allocated £272,824 from its parking reserve to external consultants to gather evidence and develop proposals, with recommendations expected to come before councillors in September.
Speaking at Somerset Council's Executive meeting, Graham challenged the Liberal Democrat administration to ensure any proposals affecting Cheddar, Axbridge, Shipham and surrounding villages are based on clear evidence and take account of the impact on local businesses and communities.
Graham said:
"Applying charges where parking is currently free may look like an easy way of raising additional income, but it could have the opposite effect, deterring shoppers, visitors, families and walkers and harming local retail and hospitality.
"Rural communities such as ours are very different from Somerset's larger towns. Any changes need to be based on evidence that they will genuinely improve parking and benefit the community, rather than simply raising more money."
Graham also called for the evidence used to determine proposed parking arrangements to be published so that residents, businesses and town and parish councils can properly scrutinise the plans before decisions are taken.
He raised concerns about the level of consultation with local councils and asked the administration to publish details of the engagement already undertaken.
Graham previously represented Axevale on Sedgemoor District Council between 2019 and 2023, covering Axbridge, Cheddar and surrounding villages.
Somerset Council is expected to publish its initial proposals in September.
