Drivers to see free parking end as local authority accused of 'killing local businesses'

The move would see free car parks across Portishead, Clevedon, and Nailsea, which would soon cost £3.50 to park in for the day.

The proposed parking charges are based on four usage categories: car parks near retail areas, on-street near retail areas, on-street in prime locations and car parks in prime locations.

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The council is also considering offering commercial leases for off-street car parks to town councils or commercial organisations and appraising off-street car parks for other uses, such as new housing.

Councillor Mark Canniford said: “We were already facing significant financial pressures when we agreed to go to consultation on parking proposals in February 2024.

“Since then, these pressures have only worsened and the cost of providing our services will be as much as £23.5million more than we have by 31 March 2025.

“This is a difficult situation created by year-on-year failure of national Government to properly fund council services and, in particular, the growing demand and cost of providing care for children and adults. Though North Somerset is not alone in the shadow of this national crisis, we cannot underestimate our current circumstances nor allow our financial pressures to grow.”

The council stated that itwill continue to monitor the impact of the parking charges and make adjustments as necessary.

If the charges are approved, the council will detail information about when charges will be introduced and any associated engineering works.

Cannigord warned: “Without [a] sign of incoming Government support, it instead comes down to us to make difficult decisions and take urgent action. This is vital if we are to balance our books and safeguard essential council services.

“Should we agree to adopt the Parking Management Strategy and - like neighbouring councils - choose to introduce charges in a small number of locations, we can have parking services that are better managed, maintained and self-funding.”

The council detailed how sustaining the existing parking provision is becoming “increasingly difficult” due to budget constraints and rising costs.

“Though we have had to balance consultation feedback with new financial pressures, responses we received have helped shape hours of operation, pricing and some of the parking charge locations,” Canniford explained.

The parking charge proposals will be debated on Wednesday, October 17, and if successful, will be subject to a further period of consultation.

But the potential charges have already been met with negative views from drivers and residents who accuse the council of “killing small businesses”.

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One person shared: “Charging for parking to play cricket, tennis or use the lido is absolutely disgraceful. I thought exercise was good for people.

“Also what’s the point in launching a consultation if when you receive overwhelming feedback that it’s a bad idea decide to do it anyway, what a way to disengage with residents.”

Another person claimed: “You’re going to kill small businesses with parking charges, aren’t you? Perhaps if you didn’t spend millions on bus lanes and vanity projects you wouldn’t have this mythical black hole. It’s so predictable!”