Free parking will come to an end in the Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT) area by the end of the month.

SWT, which operates car parks in Wellington, Minehead, Taunton, and elsewhere – still operates free parking on its sites to all individuals, including key workers and NHS staff.

However, this will end on August 31 – the last Bank Holiday before Christmas.

The council re-opened more floors of the Paul Street car park in Taunton last week to enable more people to park there and use the Shopmobility service.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, portfolio holder for economic development, said: “Re-opening more levels of this popular car park will give shoppers greater choice and provide support to our businesses as they take steps towards recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have been working collaboratively with our partners to ensure the safe re-opening of two more levels at the Paul Street car park and are preparing for the reopening of further levels.

“We hope this will be welcome news, particularly for our Blue Badge holders and those customers that rely on the Shopmobility

service.”

The council has said it is not currently lobbying the Government for funding to extend free parking in the future.

While the district councils operate off-street car parks, on-street parking is the responsibility of Somerset County Council.

On-street parking patrols resumed on June 1 as a result of more businesses re-opening and schools accepting more pupils back.

Cllr John Woodman, cabinet member for highways and transport, said at the time: “During the lockdown, most parking enforcement officers have been redeployed to other roles supporting the community, such as delivering PPE or managing queuing traffic at the re-opened household waste recycling centres or testing centres.

“Their efforts are greatly appreciated and I would like to thank them as they begin to resume their normal duties.”