South Somerset "not actively considering parking levy"

Amid widespread coverage in the national and local media, South Somerse District Council has released the following press statement to help clarify its position:

"We are not currently actively considering introducing parking charges for staff or for employers who provide free staff parking.

"SSDC was mentioned in a national paper as a council that was floating the idea of introducing parking levies as a way of generating income or encouraging greener travel.

"This is not the full picture. The response given to the particular paper was as follows, which makes it very clear that it is not something we are currently actively considering:

"Looking at reducing car travel to offices is something we are required to do, and the possibility of introducing some form of parking levy is one of many ideas that have been floated within our council. There are pro's and cons for all of these options that have YET to be fully consulted upon, and certainly not put into a final report. It's not something we are actively considering at this particular moment in time and isn't imminent, but is one of many ideas 'on the table' as possibilities for the future.

"In answer to the question "is it an idea that is being floated?" - The idea has been floated, but it is not actively being considered right now. We have a delicate balance to make - money but also to support local businesses and our residents who work for those businesses."