Have your say

People told us they were worried about traffic and fewer visitors to Eastover.

We asked what people thought about five options for traffic in:

• Eastover
• Salmon Parade
• East Quay

The aim find which option best makes Bridgwater town centre a safer, more welcoming and thriving place for everyone.

1,311 people and organisations answered the survey.

Most responses came from people who live in Bridgwater.

Responses included:

• 1,054 people who live in Bridgwater
• 108 visitors to Bridgwater
• 65 businesses
• 5 emergency service representatives
• 79 other responses

The most popular choice

Option B was the most popular choice.

Almost 3 out of every 4 people chose Option B.

Option B would bring back two-way traffic on:

• Salmon Parade
• East Quay

People said Option B could:

• improve traffic flow
• reduce traffic jams
• make journeys quicker
• make it easier to reach the town centre, Eastover and local businesses
• give drivers more choice about which route to take

Most businesses also preferred Option B.

Overall, the feedback showed strong support for changing the traffic system to Option B.

See below for more on consultation feedback.

We looked carefully at what people told us.

The Leader of the Council considered the technical reports alongside the community feedback and decided that in principle, Option B should go ahead.

This would bring back two-way traffic on:

• Salmon Parade
• East Quay

Before this can happen, the council must:

• make sure the roads are safe
• complete the legal process
• make sure there is enough funding.

More details can be found in the following documents:

Decision Report: Celebration Mile – Report on outcomes of public consultation

Appendix 1 Celebration Mile final consultation report (What you said)

The consultation asked for views on:

• the scope of the new Local Plan - what the plan will cover;
• how we engage communities during plan preparation;
• our draft vision and outcomes for Somerset;
• and a range of emerging evidence and spatial options.

The consultation did not propose detailed policies or allocate development sites.

We received 822 responses, from a range of from residents, businesses, community groups, parish and town councils, statutory consultees and other stakeholders.

The Planning Policy team are now analysing all responses received and preparing a Consultation Report.

This feedback will help shape the next stage of Local Plan preparation and inform the development of the evidence base, strategy and policies.

Key milestones

• October 2026 – Gateway 1 and publication of the self-assessment summary.
• November 2026 – Publication of a summary of consultation responses and how the feedback will be used.
• September to October 2027 – Consultation on the proposed Local Plan content, including draft policies and supporting evidence.
• March to May 2028 – Consultation on the proposed Somerset Local Plan before submission for independent examination.

There will be further opportunities for communities, businesses and stakeholders to get involved as the Local Plan progresses.

You can find out more about the Local Plan and when things will happen on the Council’s Somerset Local Plan 2045 page.

We asked for any objections to proposed changes to Somerset’s maximum taxi fares. The proposals followed feedback from licence holders, with 59% supporting an increase, and took account of inflation and fuel costs since the current fares were introduced in May 2024.

We proposed increasing the maximum distance and waiting-time charges by 10%, alongside a discretionary booking fee of up to £10 for pre-booked journeys.

We received 26 responses to this online consultation raising issues with the proposal.

• 6 Licensed taxi driver and/or taxi owner
• 17 taxi users
• 3 other

Respondents raised concerns the proposal risks pricing an essential service beyond many residents’ reach while simultaneously weakening demand for local taxi businesses. The potential social impact was also raised owing to greater isolation, particularly for disabled people, older residents, rural communities and those unable to drive.

The matter was considered by the Executive Committee on 2 September 2026.

The approved changes include:

• the maximum standard fare for journeys of up to one mile rising from £4.60 to £5.06.
• Increases to maximum charges for additional mileage and waiting time.
• Soiling fees and holiday surcharges remaining unchanged.

In light of the comments received, the Executive Committee did not approve the booking fee.