CAR parks owned by Somerset West and Taunton Council will stay free ‘for the foreseeable future’ – but on-street parking patrols are back.

Somerset County Council’s civil enforcement officers returned to work on Monday, ahead of schools and some businesses starting to re-open.

Owners of vehicles found where parking is permitted – such as resident bays, pay and display locations, limited waiting bays and single yellow lines – were given seven days’ grace.

Warning letters have been left on their vehicles asking that they are immediately removed to avoid receiving penalties in future. This delay was to allow for the possibility that the owner was in self-isolation, for example.

But penalty notices were served immediately on vehicles parked on double yellow lines, in places with loading restrictions, bus stops and dropped kerbs in public areas – all locations where no vehicles should be parked.

Meanwhile, Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) has announced that its car parks will remain free of charge. This does not extend to on-street parking.

The move is part of the council’s wider plan to support the re-opening of high streets to help rejuvenate the local economy.

Cllr Mike Rigby, executive member for planning and transportation, said: “Free car parking for the foreseeable future will support the re-opening of our high streets, which is vital as we recover from this pandemic.

“We are doing all we can to support shoppers and business, planning changes to our pavements and roads to allow social distancing. Of course, it will mean an immediate hit to our income, but we are looking at the bigger picture and how we can have an impact on the economic and social recovery which is key to all our futures.”

SWT leader Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts said: “As we emerge from this crisis, leadership, clarity and swift decision making are needed more than ever. This will give our businesses certainty and the knowledge that they have the backing of their council.

“We are working hard to produce an economic and social recovery programme that will aim to make our society better and stronger. We will need the help, ideas and support of everyone to make this happen”.