CALLS have been made to suspend proposed parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock “until there is evidence to justify it” during a key council meeting.

An official motion to shelve the proposal was made by Independent councillor Shaun Hughes at a meeting of the full Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) on Thursday, November 21.

The plan to introduce parking charges in Midsomer Norton and Radstock was first proposed in February, with the objective of raising £195,000 for the council, as well as to improve air quality in the towns.

The controversial charges were set to begin in January 2025 but following a public consultation, a decision was made to allow for two hours of free parking at a reduced rate. Plans to charge motorbikes have also been scrapped.

Councillor Shaun Hughes said in a statement after the meeting: “While I am not surprised, we are deeply disappointed that, despite overwhelming concerns, all Liberal Democrat Councillors voted to proceed with the introduction of parking charges without the necessary evidence to justify it, and without any understanding of the potential harm it could cause to Midsomer Norton.”

The motion, contained in a report to the full council which was seconded by councillor Tim Warren, stated “no parking surveys have been undertaken within the towns to understand demand and usage patterns” and that “no figures have been produced for the implementation, management, maintenance and enforcement costs therefore profit or loss to the local taxpayers cannot be established.”

It added: “No financial viability reports are available and no financial benefits to B&NES Council, Midsomer Norton businesses or residents can be identified. With the amendment to two hours free parking the budget target of £195,000 cannot be achieved and could result in the scheme losing money.

“No impact assessment has been undertaken to understand the harm to local businesses, sustainability, footfall and effect on the local workforce. No analysis has been undertaken to understand the potential negative impact created by vehicle displacement to air quality and residential developments close to the high street. There is no evidence of any issues with current Air Quality levels within our towns.”The document also claimed there is “evidence to indicate” that the public consultation multiple choice questionnaire was “designed to provide a pre-determined outcome in favour of the parking proposal.”

B&NES Council states on its website: “These proposals aim to improve air quality through a major shift to sustainable transport, walking and cycling and incentives to reduce the use of more polluting vehicles.

“This aligns with the vision and outcomes from our Journey to Net Zero Transport Strategy, by promoting sustainable transport and reducing CO2 emissions and the intrusion of vehicles, particularly more polluting vehicles, into our historic urban centres.”

While the council’s cabinet has been called on to suspend the charges, they are not bound to do so.

B&NES Council has been asked for a comment in relation to the matter.