Somerset Council’s Liberal Democrat-run executive has sparked fresh anger after approving a massive parking overhaul that relies on yet more expensive outside consultants.
The strategy, agreed by the council’s executive on March 11, 2026, seeks to introduce a five-tier pricing model based on location and demand to replace the current "patchwork" of legacy rules.
Despite already spending over £40 million on consultants and agency staff since 2023, leadership has signed off on another £272,824 for external firm Marston Holdings to conduct "whole-town" reviews.
Local campaigner and farmer James Wright slammed the move, calling the expenditure a waste of taxpayers' money.
"The Council is effectively paying for a professional shield to distance itself from unpopular decisions," Mr. Wright said, "West Somerset is fed up by these constant changes. We only just fought off the disastrous plan for 24/7 charging in December, yet here they are again," he added.
The Council admits previous income projections were "incorrect" after public opposition blocked Sunday charges, leaving the executive looking for new ways to plug budget gaps.
Mr. Wright warned the review is a "revenue grab with a predetermined outcome" and labelled charges for currently free car parks an “insult to residents and a danger to businesses’
Under the new tiers, Tier 1 "Premium" central spots will cost up to £1.90 per hour or £12.50 for a full day.
In Tier 4 village car parks, an all-day stay will now cost £5.20, though the first hour remains free to support local high streets.
Plans to "rationalise" pay-and-display machines in favour of cashless payments have also sparked fears of digital exclusion and trade moving to out-of-town centers.
The first phase of surveys will begin in the North of the county, with no final decisions expected until a further consultant-led report is returned to the Executive.
