Decision

The Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee RESOLVED to convey to the Executive the following observations and recommendations:

1. The Committee noted that on 15 January 2026 the then Scrutiny Committee – Climate and Place considered the Somerset Parking Policy Principles and endorsed them subject to:

a.     Whole-town and community parking reviews being evidence-led and explicitly including residential parking needs alongside shopper, visitor and commuter parking.

b.     Support in principle for tiered pricing, subject to local evidence, fairness between towns and the avoidance of unintended displacement or disadvantage to smaller centres.

c.     Any consideration of charging in existing free car parks being informed by robust evidence, impact assessment and engagement with local Members and communities.

d.     Clear communication and engagement with councillors, town and parish councils and residents throughout the review process.

The amended recommendations were approved, with one abstention and no votes against.

1. The Committee considered the September 2026 Executive Update relating to the parking review and noted that:

a.     A substantial volume of survey and parking data had been collected, but it was unclear from the report how this evidence had influenced the recommendations and officers advised that analysis was still ongoing.

b.     Significant concerns remained regarding proposals for Sunday parking charges, including impacts on town centres, employees, residential parking and the absence of public transport alternatives, including Park and Ride services.

c.     Officers confirmed that no additional funding had been identified to mitigate impacts arising from the proposed parking changes, including potential Sunday public transport provision.

d.     Whilst consultation was proposed in relation to free car parks, on-street parking, parking permits and pay-and-display infrastructure, Members were concerned that some future opportunities for engagement would largely occur through the Traffic Regulation Order process at a late stage in decision-making.

e.     Members considered that the rationale for the allocation of car parks into charging tiers was insufficiently explained within the report.

f.       The existing South Somerset parking compensation scheme, whereby parish and town councils contribute towards maintaining free parking, had not been adequately reflected within the proposals.

g.     Further financial information was requested, including implementation costs and the assumptions underpinning projected income generation.

1. Following debate, the Committee did not support the report recommendations as presented. A motion to support the recommendations was lost by four votes to two, with three abstentions.
2. The Committee supported recommendations (c) and (d) only, relating to further community engagement and progression of implementation through the appropriate decision-making processes, but did not support recommendations (a) and (b) concerning the proposed charging tariffs and car park tier allocations. This position was approved by five votes to three, with one abstention.
3. The Committee therefore recommends that Executive:

a.     Does not approve the proposed charging tier tariffs at this stage.

b.     Does not approve the proposed allocation of car parks into charging tiers until further evidence and analysis has been presented.

c.     Supports further engagement with local communities, town and parish councils, businesses and local Members.

d.     Requests additional information in relation to survey outcomes, tier allocation methodology, equality and rurality impacts, residential parking impacts, Sunday transport provision, implementation costs and the operation of existing local parking schemes before further decisions are taken.