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This follows a period of informal consultation and consideration of technical and expert advice. Pricing of the charges varies by location with costs starting at £1 for an hour.
Councillor Mark Canniford, Executive Member for Spatial Planning, Placemaking and the Economy, said: “We’re doing all that we can to urge national government to look at council funding and support us with a fairer deal so that we can continue to deliver vital services here in North Somerset.
“As is the case for many councils across the country, we are facing an unprecedented financial emergency caused by year-on-year cuts and a steady increase in service demand. This means the cost of delivering our services could amount to £23.5m more than we have by March 2025, putting us at real risk of serving a Section 114 notice.
“Councils have a legal obligation to balance their books and, if we are unable do so, a Section 114 report means the council would have to stop all non-essential spending. It would also mean that national government it likely to step in and reduce council services to their bare essentials. This would have significant impacts on our communities and – as is the case for other councils forced into a Section 114 - could extend as far as cuts to all council services and increases in taxes and charges.
“We are not in a position to wait around in the hope that the government will announce a financial support package that will come to our rescue. Instead, it comes down to us to take difficult decisions and protect the deeply valued services that we deliver across North Somerset.
“Adopting the Parking Management Strategy allows us to provide improved parking services that are better managed, better maintained and self-funding. This is crucial in making important savings and freeing up funds that can be reinvested back into our main budget.
“We understand that the charges ask something extra of our residents when they too are facing a cost of living crisis. This decision is not one we take lightly and we have considered many options before arriving at this point. Unfortunately, as is the case for neighbouring councils who have already introduced parking charges, our financial situation is such that it now leaves us with little flexibility or choice.
“Feedback from residents and other community organisations has played an important role in shaping the proposals, including parking charge locations, pricing and hours of operation, with consideration given to the nuances of each town. Another round of formal consultation will follow through the Traffic Regulation Order/Parking Order process with a view to introducing the charges in 2025.”
Now Executive have agreed to progress the Parking Management Strategy and charge proposals they will be subject to further detailed design and a Traffic Regulation Order/Parking Order. The Traffic Regulation Order/Parking Order includes a statutory consultation and an opportunity to make minor tweaks and charges, including the possibility of some exemptions where appropriate.
The council is also in contact with town councils and other organisations to explore options for commercial leases that would allow them to take on management of the car parks themselves.