Countywide parking strategy approved

New parking policies for Somerset have been published following nearly 200 responses to a public consultation.

Amendments were made to policies designed to promote town centre and business prosperity, and ensure new developments have the right number of parking spaces.

Somerset County Council Cabinet Member David Hall, said: “This is another good example of us listening to what the public and our partners have told us. I’d like to thank everyone who took part in the consultation and enabled amendments to be made to the draft strategy.

“These are our long term policies for making sure that there is the right amount of parking, in the right places, and that it is appropriate for local needs.

“The intention is to provide parking that reflects what is actually needed. The policies are based on how people park in real developments and have the flexibility to meet the needs of different places.

“Although the policies do consider parking charges across the county and how they help manage parking, may I reassure everyone that Somerset County Council has no current plans to introduce new on-street car parking charges in any town. However, if a community asks for parking meters to help prevent inconsiderate or dangerous parking, we will explore this with them.”