CONTROVERSIAL new parking charges are looming closer as council contractors have been seen installing new meters and signs across Midsomer Norton.

Bath and North East Somerset Council are rolling out the new emissions-based charges across the district - which have been described by vocal opponents as a “tax on the poor.”

The measures, which are hoped will reduce pollution, were rolled out in Bath last year and it was announced in October that Midsomer Norton and Radstock would retain two hours of free parking, with reduced tariffs for longer stays, from January 2025.

New, blank signs have also appeared in the South Road Car Park in Midsomer Norton this morning (January 24) - six days after the Midsomer Norton and Radstock Journal published a statement from the council which said it could not confirm a start date for the new charges.

It is understood the five parking meters have been installed in the car park in readiness for when the new charges take affect.

Bath and North East Somerset has been approached for more information.