Understand
Somerset Council delays parking fee increases and structural changes to 2027
Overview
Somerset Council has announced that plans to increase parking fees by 10% across all council-operated car parks will come into force in January 2027, following concerns from businesses and opposition parties. Additional changes, including Sunday parking fees and a county-wide tiered charging system, will be phased in during the autumn of 2027 to give drivers and businesses time to adjust.
Key points
- Parking prices will increase by 10% across every council-operated car park starting from January 2027.
- Sunday parking fees and a county-wide tiered charging system will be phased in during the autumn of 2027.
- Up to £350,000 will be spent replacing outdated parking machines across Somerset.
- Taunton Orchard multi-storey car park will see up to £150,000 spent redesigning spaces for larger, heavier, and electric vehicles.
- Taunton's park and ride service will run seven days a week for six months as part of a trial.
- Conservative councillors have opposed the plans, gathering thousands of signatures against them.