Somerset Council’s Climate and Place Scrutiny Committee has voted to recommend that the Liberal Democrat Executive reject the proposed introduction of new Sunday parking charges in Council owned car parks.
This follows a six-week public consultation in which 4,186 residents and 86 businesses took part. 93% of residents said they opposed Sunday charges, and 67% of businesses said the proposals would have a negative impact on them. Many warned of reduced footfall, increased displacement parking and harm to already struggling high streets.
Conservative councillors stressed that the consultation results were decisive and must be respected.
Opposition Spokesperson for Transport & Waste Services Cllr Bob Filmer said the Council’s consultant report was heavily caveated, and even the technical assessment stated that local survey insights were essential. He said 93% of residents had said no, and two thirds of businesses had warned of a negative impact on them. He said Somerset’s towns do not all work in the same way and a consistent policy does not require identical charges everywhere.
Cllr John Cook Woodman said the outcome of the consultation could not be clearer. He said, “The people of Somerset have been unequivocal about this and they clearly said no, and they will see it as an anti motorist attack by a cash hungry council.”
Cllr Hayward Burt raised concerns about the proposals increasing Saturday and Sunday charges in towns like Yeovil where businesses were already struggling. He said this approach would not help any town centre trying to retain footfall or attract visitors.
Following debate, an initial proposal from Liberal Democrat councillor Henry Hobhouse sought to reconsult with the public on a wider parking strategy, but it was voted down.
A second proposal, put forward by Conservative councillor John Cook Woodman and seconded by councillor Andy Dingwall, called for the Executive to reject the Sunday charging plans, in line with the responses from the public consultation. This was approved.
A decision will now be taken by the Executive on Wednesday 3rd December.
