Plans to scrap free Sunday car parking announced

Sunday charges could be introduced at all council-run car parks in Somerset

A consultation on plans to introduce Sunday charges at all car parks across a county has been proposed.

Somerset Council has suggested the changes due to different rates currently applied across the county.

It said the aim was to "bring consistency" and ensure the service remained "completely self-funded".

In February, plans to bring in evening and overnight charges were dropped after hundreds of residents and businesses objected.

Currently, Sunday charges apply at council-run car parks in places such as Watchet, Wells and Frome, but parking is free in towns like Taunton, Bridgwater and Chard.

Cllr Bill Revans, the leader of Somerset Council, said: "What we are aiming for is to have our car parking services break even. The aim is to make sure the car park service is run, staffed and maintained properly and its self-funding."

Cllr Revans added: "We're looking to make car parking services consistent and fair across the county."

Businesses are being encouraged to take part in the consultation which is open for six weeks.

A final decision will be made in December with any changes introduced in 2026.