COUNCIL chiefs are no closer to finalising a date for new emissions-based parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock, despite plans to implement them this month.

The proposal to bring in the new parking fees began in early 2024 when Bath and North East Somerset Council decided it could roll them out as part of measures to reduce pollution.

Following a public consultation, the council announced in October 2024 that Midsomer Norton and Radstock would retain two hours of free parking, with reduced tariffs for longer stays, from January 2025.

However, the council told the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Journal on Thursday (January 16) it is yet to finalise a start date for the controversial new charges - creating uncertainty for residents and businesses.

A B&NES Council spokesperson said: “Following feedback from the public consultation, Midsomer Norton and Radstock car parks will continue to offer free parking with a two-hour time limit and a reduced tariff for longer stays.

“These changes will be introduced later this month alongside emission-based parking charges at all council-owned car parks. Air quality in Bath and North East Somerset is improving, we know it’s a concern for people living here and the changes to parking charges is another step to improve it.

“We want to reduce congestion, change behaviours and encourage more sustainable ways to travel. However, we are not able to confirm a date as of yet.”

The council introduced the new charges to Bath in 2024. The reception towards these measures has been mixed. Some residents and local businesses have expressed concerns, labelling the charges as a "tax on the poor" arguing they disproportionately affect those who rely on older, less fuel-efficient vehicles.

Radstock's car parks are often full

Councillor Shaun Hughes (Independent, Midsomer Norton) said: “The introduction of emission-based charges is simply a tax on the poorest - those who rely on a car but cannot afford the latest fuel efficient or electric vehicle.

“Within our area cars are a necessity not a luxury, with many of our residents on low income and needing a car for work and to access essential services such as banks, pharmacies, libraries, council services, professional services and to support local shops. For those on a low income working in our High Street this will add an unnecessary financial burden at a time when household budgets are stressed.”

“The Liberal Democrats claim they are doing this to protect us from emissions but has no data to support it. Midsomer Norton does not have an issue with high levels of emissions and no air quality reports or data has been gathered to demonstrate otherwise.”

All emission-based charge tariffs will be published on the council’s parking and travel webpages when they go live but can be viewed now in the outcome report from the public consultation on the council’s website.

Visit https://www.bathnes.gov.uk/parkingchargereview for more information regarding on going changes to parking charges here.