SHOULD car parking in Bridgwater town centre be free for the first two hours?

Sedgemoor District Council are proposing to hike fees by as much as 25 per cent in two town centre car parks, but the town council argue that to encourage people into shop, the first two hours should be free.

Sedgemoor District Council are proposing to put up the price of parking in the Market Street and Dampiet Street car parks by 25 per cent, so a four hour ticket will jump up from £3 to £4.

By putting the prices up in the Market Street and Dampiet Street, Sedgemoor District Council say that if the number of people using the car park stays the same as it is now, it could bring in an additional £25,000.

However both the town council and Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce have voiced concerns over the price hike, and both argue for trialling free parking.

Chairman of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce Steve Leahy said: "As Chamber chairman I would voice the following concerns regarding car park charges increases in Bridgwater.

"Although Bridgwater is showing create economic growth due to the HPC build. We still fail to attract visitors to the town for retail shopping.

"We feel strongly that we should incentivise visitors rather than increase their costs to shop in the town. We would support a two hour free parking policy and then perhaps small increase in parking charges after that period."

Mr Leahy said the council should look at Langport which has adopted a free parking policy.

"The Langport trial has seen very progressive results and in reality is now showing a vibrant economy," he said.

"Although we are looking at a different populous than Bridgwater, why can’t we trial a similar thing within Bridgwater town centre.

"This would also release wardens to police other areas of the towns streets in which restrictions are being regularly abused. We need to encourage shoppers to Bridgwater, not increase hurdles to shop."

MP for Bridgwater and Somerset Ian Liddell-Grainger said there was no conclusive proof either way over whether it is better for the economy to have free parking.

"There is a balance to strike. We must encourage people into the town centre but there is nothing wrong with raising money from car parks," he said.