Council car park charges in South Somerset to rise

Car parking charges in parts of Somerset are to rise in January.

South Somerset District Council said the rise will affect a number of locations in Yeovil, Chard, Crewkerne and Ilminster.

No increase will be made for the first hour but a rise of about 10p per hour will then kick in.

"We've had no increase for three years so a modest increase for longer stays is necessary to help meet rising costs," a council spokesman said.

"However, we have been sensible about how we do this and have not introduced blanket increases for all car parks and all lengths of stay and in most of the towns there is at least one car park that will not increase.

"Parking charges help to fund town centre initiatives such as CCTV, lighting and environmental improvements and ensure that public car parks are maintained," he added.

Season tickets are expected to increase by around £10 per quarter.