Consultation on proposed changes to Sunday parking charges

Overview

What is this consultation about?

Somerset Council is inviting residents and businesses to share their views on proposals to introduce Sunday parking charges across council-run car parks.

This is part of a wider plan to make parking rules fairer and more consistent across the county.

Why are changes being proposed?

Currently, parking charges on Sundays vary depending on location:

Sunday charges already apply in places like Watchet, Minehead, Wells, Glastonbury, Frome, Cheddar and Williton.

However, it is free to park on Sundays in locations such as Taunton, Wellington, Bridgwater, Chard, Crewkerne, Yeovil and Highbridge.

This inconsistency can be confusing and unfair, as it means people who are paying to park in one location are effectively subsidising those parking for free in other locations.

The proposals aim to:

• Standardise parking charges on Sundays across Somerset.
• Ensure the parking service remains self-funded, covering costs like staffing, enforcement, and maintenance of car parks.
• Support a sustainable transport strategy by encouraging fair use of parking spaces.

The proposed Sunday charges are part of a broader parking review that includes potential changes to on-street charging and currently free car parks. These elements will be developed in collaboration with local members, town and parish councils, and subject to further public engagement.

The consultation will run for six weeks, from 8 September to 20 October 2025, and feedback received will help inform future decisions.

If you would like to view the full proposal you can download the document at the bottom of this page, if you would like to view the proposals on a town by town basis you can do this within the survey. 

Paper copies of this consultation are available on request from Somerset Libraries. 

Blue Badge holders 

If Blue Badge holders are currently required to pay for parking on Saturdays in a particular location, then the same charges would also apply on Sundays under this proposal.