MORE than 2,000 people have signed an open letter calling on Somerset Council rethink its plans to increase car parking charges and introduce Sunday charging.

Somerset Conservatives launched the campaign in response to proposals which would see substantial increases in fees alongside new charges in towns where council-owned car parks are currently free on Sundays.

Under the proposed new tariff system, some communities would face particularly steep increases with all-day parking rising from £3.20 to £8.90 and from £2 to £6.80.

They would also make residents and visitors have to pay on Sundays where parking is currently free.

The council is also looking at introducing charges in some currently free car parks and potential new on-street parking charges.

The open letter calls on the council’s Liberal Democrat leadership to:

  • Keep Sunday parking free in council-owned car parks which are currently not charged
  • Reconsider proposed increases to existing tariffs
  • Keep currently free council car parks free
  • Not introduce new on-street parking charges without support from local communities and businesses

Council Conservative opposition group transport spokesman Cllr Bob Filmer said: “I have raised my concerns about what these changes could mean for the vitality and viability of our town centres.

“At a time when local businesses are already under pressure, the council should be supporting our towns, not making them more expensive to visit.”

Conservative group leader Cllr Diogo Rodrigues said: “Somerset residents are paying the price for years of financial mismanagement.

“After allocating £272,824 to consultants for this parking review, the council now wants residents to pay more to park.

“This is about plugging the black hole in the council's finances, not about supporting our town centres and local businesses.

“The Liberal Democrats need to think again.”

Residents can add their name to the open letter via the Conservative group website.