CONTROVERSIAL car parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock will come into effect next week following lengthy debates and consultation.

Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) has told the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Journal the new charges will be in force from Tuesday (March 4).

The charges will be implemented at Midsomer Norton’s South Road car park and Radstock’s Church Street and Waterloo Road car parks.

Parking will remain free for the first two hours.

The charges were proposed as part of the council’s 2024/25 budget, aiming to improve air quality, encourage the use of public transport and raise £195,000 for the council.

The charges have proved controversial with Councillor Shaun Hughes (Independent Midsomer Norton North) describing them as a “tax on the poor” at a council meeting in November.

A public consultation held by B&NES Council resulted in changes being made to the charges initially proposed, which include lower rates and no charges for motorbikes.

The council said after announcing the changes that 4,322 people responded to the consultation, with 77 per cent expressing concerns about air quality.

Full details over parking prices will be available to view on the council’s website when they come info effect.