Car parking charges across Burnham-On-Sea and Highbridge are set to increase by up to 20 per cent next week.
The higher fees, which are outlined in full at the bottom of this page, come into force on Tuesday (April 1st) and have been partly prompted by Sedgemoor District Council’s huge £1.8m funding defecit, which has left it needing to boost its finances.
Town centre businesses in Burnham say the increased charges could hurt their trade.
Alex Turco, Chairman of Burnham Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Sedgemoor’s budgetary difficulties are well documented, so some car parking charge increases were expected, however the current economic conditions are difficult and these rises are not welcome.”
Many residents’ annual car parking passes will rise from £450 to £500, while quarterly parking passes jump from £120 to £130.
Hourly rates across the two towns are being increased and brand new winter charges are being introduced along The Esplanade – as first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com earlier this year.
Even the cost of boat trailer parking in Burnham’s Pier Street car park will not escape the increases, with a day’s parking rising from £3.50 to £4 in the winter, but remaining at £6 in the summer months.
Coach parking, though, will remain free in Burnham’s Pier Street car park in an attempt to encourage tour operators to continue visiting Burnham.
.2008/09 CAR PARKING CHARGES IN BURNHAM & HIGHBRIDGE
BURNHAM-ON-SEA: (Current charges shown in brackets)
