Consultation for car park charge views due to end

Councillor Shaun Hughes, who represents Midsomer Norton opposes the plans

Residents have less than a week to share their views on plans for new parking charges.

Emission-based fees could soon be introduced Keynsham, Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Saltford, and higher charges could be rolled out in Bath.

A spokesperson for Bath and North East Somerset Council said the plans would "improve air quality, reduce congestion and encourage other ways to travel".

Midsomer Norton councillor Shaun Hughes, who objects to the charges, said "businesses are genuinely worried about their livelihoods".

Under the plans, parking at Midsomer Norton’s South Road car park and the Church Street and Waterloo Road car parks in Radstock would be free for the first 30 minutes.

Two hours parking would cost 80p for electric vehicles and the least polluting non-diesel cars, but diesel cars and cars producing higher carbon emissions will be charged extra — with two hours’ parking costing the most polluting diesel cars 50p more.

Cabinet member for highways councillor, Manda Rigby, said introducing charging in Midsomer Norton and Radstock "would make it easier for shoppers to find parking by encouraging turnover of spaces".

"The additional revenue would support regeneration schemes designed to increase footfall and support local trade.

"Where our proposals retain long stay parking, including in Midsomer Norton, we will provide season tickets so that motorists who regularly park for long periods can continue to do so for a lower cost compared to those paying each day," she added.

Business owner Julie May is worried that customers will choose to go to Bath or Bristol if charges are introduced in Midsomer Norton

But Julie May, who is the co-owner of Party at Hollies in Midsomer Norton, said she thought the charges will have a detrimental effect on her business.

She said: "A few customers said they would rather go into the bigger cities where they pay a charge, where they've got more variety of stores.

"I just feel that it's going to have an impact on the High Street that is already struggling."

Deepa Pandya, who runs a post office in Midsomer Norton, said: "There is nothing left in the High Street. If they introduce their parking charges it's going to kill it even more."

If approved, the parking charge proposals across the Bath and North Somerset will come into force in October

Meanwhile, Mr Hughes believes the charges are being brought in without proper justification.

He said: "They've had six months... and haven't produced an air quality report. They haven't produced a parking survey they've done. They haven't produced an impact assessment, they've not even produced a financial viability report.

"We simply don't have an issue [with air quality] and if there is an issue then they need to produce a report to demonstrate that.

"Hopefully the council will finally understand the weight of feeling here.

"They really need to start taking this seriously."

The consultation closes at 17:00 BST on 8 August .