SOMERSET Conservatives have launched a campaign calling on the Liberal Democrat administration at Somerset Council’s to rethink major changes to parking charges.

The proposals include the introduction of a new five-tier charging system across existing paid-for council car parks, with charges applying seven days a week.

The Conservatives say the proposals could leave some communities facing significant increases.

In Wellington, all-day parking at Longforth Road, North Street and South Street would rise from £3.20 to £6.80.

The proposals would also introduce Sunday charging at existing car parks in towns where Sundays are currently free, including Wellington.

Draft council documents also identify free car parks where charging could be considered in the future, such as Wiveliscombe as well as potential on-street charges.

The Conservatives have launched a “Stop the Parking Hike” campaign calling for Somerset Council to retain free Sunday parking where it currently applies, to reconsider substantial increases under the new tariff structure, keep currently free council car parks free of charge and not to introduce new on-street charges without the support of affected communities.

Leader of the opposition at Somerset Council, Cllr Diogo Rodrigues, said: “If you make it increasingly expensive to drive into our towns, park and visit local shops, cafés and businesses, there is a real risk people simply go somewhere else.

“Many people simply do not have the option of walking or using public transport to get into their nearest town. These increases risk hitting those rural communities particularly hard.

“Our message is simple: stop the parking hike and back our town and village centres.”

The changes are due to be considered by the council’s Executive on September 23 with the new tariffs potentially introduced from December.

Somerset Council has been asked to comment.