It is clear: survey says drivers don't want car parking charges

Car park users in Wiveliscombe and Milverton do not want, or cannot afford to pay for, parking, - according to a survey on Somerset Council proposals to introduce charges.

The recently completed survey for users of Croft Way and North Street Car Parks in Wiveliscombe, and Fore Street in Milverton, which are currently free, was organised by Somerset Green Party councillor Dave Mansell.

He said 430 people completed the survey, with 73 per cent using the car parks for shopping and other visits, 19 per cent for parking when at home and eight per cent for parking when at work.

A targeted survey for those using the car parks when at home was also completed by another 54 residents.

The results have been provided to council officers preparing reports for two September committees. Charging was due to begin last October, but was paused after the Council decided to conduct a review and surveys throughout Somerset.

“This survey provides strong evidence regarding our situation locally and gives a clear message that car park users in Milverton and Wiveliscombe do not want to see charges introduced,” said Cllr Mansell.

More than half of respondents said they would stop using the car parks if daily charges were introduced.

“Some say they could not afford to pay and many have indicated they would not do so. Instead, most will seek to park on-street, which would add to congestion and existing parking problems,” he said.

“Many shoppers say they would go elsewhere, unless free shopping spaces are provided. Permits would help some to continue using the car parks when at home or at work, but could not be afforded by all.”

Benedict Southworth, from Wiveliscombe Area Green Party, said the charges would threaten the town’s vibrant independent shops, cause chaos for residents with nowhere else to park, and cause real anxiety for local small businesses and residents.

Somerset Cllr Gwil Wren, Independent, Upper Tone, said historic 'horse and cart villages' like Milverton have particular issues with traffic and narrow streets where congestion is a regular problem. Many houses are terraced with no space for a vehicle, and introducing charges would displace vehicles, worsening an already difficult situation.

A majority of the survey’s respondents, 69 per cent of the total, submitted comments which gave a good picture of their concerns, including Wiveliscombe residents who fear street parking will “become a nightmare” for them, and small businesses anxious about the effects.

“As a shop owner, we would certainly lose trade if customers had to pay for parking. Business is tight anyway; parking charges could squeeze us too much,” said one.

“I fear parking charges will dissuade shoppers from visiting Wiveliscombe. We need to support our local trade retailers,” said another.

In Milverton, residents expressed fears about the costs for those with nowhere else to park. “I am a pensioner and do not have spare financial capacity to fund car parking when I am at home,” said a local resident.