Three Somerset towns could lose free parking
North Somerset Council is considering changes to raise more money
Free parking in three Somerset towns soon end under plans set to be considered by North Somerset Council.
Parking charges could be introduced to currently free car parks in Nailsea, Portishead, and Clevedon as well as some on street areas in the town centres and seafronts.
The proposal will go through the council executive and a public consultation and charges could be rolled out in January 2025.
Charges would apply between 9am and either 5pm or 6pm.
A “short stay car park permit” could be introduced to allow people to park for up to two hours a day in selected car parks near shops.
Executive member for highways and transport Hannah Young said: “National government’s year-on-year failure to invest in councils has put pressure on budgets across the country, impacting on local services and, in some cases, forcing councils into bankruptcy.
"North Somerset is not in that position, but we have to act responsibly to ensure the books are balanced.
“Against this backdrop and a lack of government support, councils are now seeking new ways to invest in their local areas.
"In the case of car parks, like our neighbours in Somerset and Bath and North East Somerset, we have decided to look at options to introduce new parking charges in locations that were previously free.”
In Nailsea, charges could be introduced for Clevedon Road car park, Station Road car park, and on-street parking in the town centre.
Meanwhile in Portishead, Roath Road car park, on-street locations in the town centre, and the Lake Grounds could all become paid parking.
In Clevedon, charges could be introduced in the Marson Road, Great Western Road East, and Great Western Road West car parks, as well as on street in the town centre, around the Triangle, on Hill Road, and on the seafront on Elton Road and Old Church Road (east).
No parking charges are proposed on The Beach, after Clevedon councillors Michael Pryke and Liam Smith wrote to the council urging them to drop plans to charge for parking there and on Hill Road.
The councillors said: “It’s good news that the council has reversed it’s position with relation to introducing charges along The Beach, this is particularly good for business along the seafront who have already endured this council’s lacklustre decision making.
“However, we are very concerned about the proposal to introduce charges along Hill Road, due to parking already being at a premium and a number of residential properties with no obvious alternative parking.”
The plans have also been criticised by Long Ashton councillor Ash Cartman, who warned that introducing parking charges for car parks could just push people into other car parks.
He said: “You need to engage in detail with local residents and communities before proposals come out for consultation.”
The plan is set to go before the council’s executive on Wednesday February 7 and, if approved, would go out for a six-week consultation before coming back to the executive for a decision in the summer.
Ms Young added: “These charges would enable us to improve the operation and maintenance of our car parks for residents and visitors.
"They would also help manage traffic and congestion through the introduction of on-street parking at busy locations.
"The introduction of parking charges can also encourage more people to make short journeys sustainably, travelling on foot or by bike for the benefit of their health and the environment.
“In addition, new short-stay permits would maintain free parking for residents, whilst supporting businesses by making more spaces available to shoppers throughout the day.
“We understand that these proposals are asking something extra from our residents at a time when they, like us, are feeling the squeeze.
"That’s why consultation is so important in developing proposals that meet the needs of local people, business and anyone else who relies on their car.
“Should the executive pass the proposals, we will begin consultation in March.
"Nothing is set in stone and we will be asking for your views on a variety of topics.
"Rest assured there will be many ways to get involved and shape proposals.”