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A Somerset independent shop owner has slammed the council's proposed parking fee hikes as coming at the "worst possible time," just weeks before the critical holiday shopping season. The plan, which includes new Sunday charges and steep weekday rate increases in some car parks, is set for a final vote on September 23, 2024.
Susie Thomas, owner of Rocket and Bird in Taunton, told local media the proposals feel like a cash grab rather than a fairness measure. "We already face business rates, national insurance, and endless costs," she said. "If you don't have a good Christmas, you simply can't open for the following year." Her social media post about the changes drew a strong response, with locals threatening to boycott the town if the fees go through.
The council's new tiered system would affect dozens of car parks across Somerset. Under the plan, the all-day rate at Boden Street in Chard would jump from £3.20 to £8.90—a 178% increase. Meanwhile, some lots like the Box Factory in Yeovil would see a drop from £14.20 to £8.90. The discrepancy has left many business owners questioning the logic behind the pricing.
Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's highways and transport lead, defended the plan as an effort to create a "fair and consistent" parking system. He noted that the unitary authority inherited a patchwork of different practices from the former district councils. "It's only right that all our car parks are part of the same charging structure, where the same rules are applied to everyone," he said. Higher tariffs in larger town centers, he added, are meant to "encourage turnover and sustainable travel."
But critics argue the council is ignoring the economic reality facing small retailers. Thomas pointed out that the December rollout would hit businesses during their most crucial sales period. "Some small businesses rely on Christmas," she stressed. "If you don't have a good Christmas, you simply can't open for the following year." Her sentiment echoes concerns from other towns where similar parking changes have been proposed.
To add a U.S. perspective, the Somerset debate mirrors a growing trend in American cities. In 2023, cities like Austin, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, faced backlash after raising parking meter rates and expanding enforcement hours. Retail advocates in both cities warned that higher parking costs push shoppers to online giants like Amazon, hurting local economies. A 2023 study from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance found that nearly 60% of small business owners believe parking availability and cost directly affect their foot traffic.
Dr. Emily Carter, an urban economist at the University of California, Davis, said the Somerset case highlights a common tension: "Municipalities often see parking as a revenue source, but they underestimate the psychological impact on shoppers. A sudden fee increase, especially before the holidays, can crater consumer confidence." She added that cities should consider phased implementation or targeted discounts for local shoppers.
Conservative councillors in Somerset have also urged the ruling Liberal Democrat administration to rethink the overhaul. They argue that the lack of community support makes the plan politically risky. "This is not about fairness—it's about extracting more money from people who have no choice but to drive," said one local Tory member.
The council's own consultation process has drawn criticism. A spokesperson said the authority would "process the feedback" received before the final decision, but Thomas questioned whether business voices would be heard. "We've been told this is a done deal," she said. "They're just going through the motions."
The proposed changes come as Somerset Council works to close a budget gap of nearly £100 million. Like many UK local authorities, it blames rising costs and inflation for the need to hike fees. But Thomas noted that the parking plan would generate an estimated £1.5 million annually—a small fraction of the deficit. "This is about making parking more expensive, not about saving the council," she said.
If approved, the new charges would take effect in December, just as holiday shoppers begin their seasonal spending. The decision will be made at a full council meeting on September 23. Meanwhile, the BBC has reported that free Sunday parking, currently available in many town centers, could end entirely by December.
For U.S. readers, the Somerset story serves as a cautionary tale. As American cities consider similar moves—New York City recently raised parking meter rates by 20%—the lesson is clear: parking policy changes need to balance revenue needs with the health of local businesses. A poorly timed fee hike can trigger a consumer boycott that harms the very economy the fees are meant to support.
This article was updated on September 23, 2024.
