Parking charges might not sound like the biggest political issue of the day, but across Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge and our surrounding villages, they matter. That is why I am concerned by the latest proposals from the Liberal Democrat-run Somerset Council.
In Bridgwater, existing chargeable council car parks operate Monday to Saturday. The proposals would extend charging to Sundays. At West Quay, an all-day Sunday stay would cost £6.80.
There are increases too. At Market Street, all-day parking would rise from £6.90 to £8.90, an increase of around 29%.
This is the last thing Bridgwater needs. It will increase further the number of people who park for free at the retail park and then don’t go anywhere else for their shopping.
The Liberal Democrats have already caused enough damage to our town centre. The one-way system on Salmon Parade and East Quay has created traffic chaos and made it harder to get around Bridgwater, while the prolonged Eastover roadworks caused months of disruption for residents, businesses and anyone trying to visit the town.
Now they want to add higher parking charges and Sunday fees on top. That is unacceptable. Our traders need more people coming into Bridgwater, not another cost and another reason for shoppers to stay away.
The situation in Highbridge concerns me too.
Bank Street car park currently operates Monday to Saturday, with all-day parking costing £4.60. Under the proposed new tariff, that would increase to £6.80. On top of that, charging would be extended to Sundays.
For somebody who simply wants to spend a Sunday in Highbridge, visit local businesses or see friends and family, that is a new cost where there currently isn't one.
Then we come to Burnham-on-Sea.
Burnham's main council car parks already charge on Sundays, but motorists would still face increases under the new tariffs. At Oxford Street, for example, all-day parking would rise from £5.80 to £6.80.
But it is what could come next that concerns me most about Burnham.
The Council's own document classifies Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge as a “High” priority for on-street parking intervention. It proposes introducing charges in existing free limited-waiting areas across Burnham town centre. My message is simple: leave Burnham-on-Sea alone.
We must also remember our rural communities. If you live in villages such as Chedzoy or Over Stowey, driving into town for shopping, appointments and services is often a necessity, not a choice. Penalising motorists also means penalising rural communities that do not have adequate public transport alternatives.
My position is clear: no new Sunday charges where parking is currently free, rethink the proposed price increases, and drop plans to extend on-street charging across Burnham-on-Sea.
Our town centres need people coming through their doors. Somerset Council should be supporting traders and encouraging visitors – not giving them another reason to stay away.
