A NEW shoppers' car parking permit will be trialed in a handful of car parks across West Somerset from next April.
For £25 a year plus VAT, the permit will entitle people to park for up to two hours in specific car parks in the district.
More time will be able to be added to the two hours by setting a clock on the permit and buying an additional car park ticket.
The aim is to encourage people to park in the more under-used car parks in the district and to boost business in local shops.
The idea was put forward by Porlock district councillor Karen Mills who thanked Wootton Courtenay resident Martin Brown for suggesting the scheme to her.
A similar system operates in the New Forest and Cllr Mills said both she and Mr Brown felt it would be ideal in West Somerset.
On Wednesday, cabinet members were told the scheme was very much a trial at this stage as it was not known if it could actually end up costing the council through lost car park revenue.
Equally, other car parks might need to be included and councillors promised to keep the scheme under regular review.
They also agreed to formulate a marketing plan to ensure people were aware of the new permits, which would come into effect from April 1 next year and be valid until March 31, 2014.
"If you don't try something, then you don't know. There are risks associated with this, but they may not happen.
"My concern is over the marketing as once people pass the April deadline the value of having the permit declines - we need sales in March, April and May," finance lead member Cllr Kate Kravis said.
Cllr Dave Westcott said he was concerned by the inclusion of Killick Way in Williton as the car park was not under-used and was often full to capacity.
Cllr Mills said she had wanted the scheme to be "inclusive" across the district, hence the inclusion of Williton, and said Dulverton Town Council had also expressed an interest in joining the scheme.