Somerset Council plans to introduce charges in free car parks have been continually delayed, but now appear to be progressing.
Parking Surveys
I have launched surveys to collect evidence on use of council car parks in Milverton and Wiveliscombe and on implications of potential new fees if confirmed.
Complete the survey by scanning the QR code above or visit forms.cloud.microsoft/r/0mmwR458p1
If needed, paper copies of the survey are available from the Book Nook or noticeboard alongside the Victoria Rooms in Milverton and from the Community Library or Secret Island in Wiveliscombe. If you can please complete the survey online.
Findings of the survey will be provided to Somerset Council, Milverton Parish Council and Wiveliscombe Town Council and published on this website by the second week of August.
Charging Proposals
In March 2025, the Executive at Somerset Council agreed plans for new parking charges to be introduced from October 2025, which were then agreed for inclusion in the budget by the Liberal Democrat majority on the council. However, their introduction has then been subject to a succession of delays.
In March 2026, the Executive approved a parking review and new charging principles. The review has included monitoring of car parks using Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) systems and assessment of on-street parking. Data collected is being analysed and is to be reported with high level recommendations to Scrutiny Committee and Executive in September 2026.
The committee reports are to be followed by previously promised consultation with local councillors and stakeholders. Final plans will be subject to formal public consultation on a Traffic Regulation Order.
There is not yet a clear timetable for implementation of new parking fees. Sometime in 2027 could be possible, but the proposals have been subject to delays and have only progressed slowly, since being rushed through by the Executive for inclusion in the council budget in early 2025.
I will provide further updates.
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Thanks but can you send the QR code to scan as it wasn’t attached to your email.
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