Residents of North Somerset have been invited to have their say on changes to car parks and parking across the region.

North Somerset Council launched its consultation on the Parking Management Strategy and Action Plan on Monday, March 18.

For seven weeks, locals and business owners will discuss proposed parking charges at car parks and on-street locations in Portishead, Nailsea and Clevedon, as well as the introduction of a new short-stay parking permit.

The council hopes the short-stay permit will boost local shopping and the economy.

Feedback from the consultation will assist the council in understanding people's parking habits and opinions on parking charge prices, potential locations and operating hours.

It will also be used to set terms for the annual short-stay permit.

Councillor Hannah Young, executive member for highways and transport at North Somerset Council, said: "We know that people have lots of different views on these proposals, so whether you are a resident, a visitor, business or anyone else who parks in these areas, it’s important we hear from you.

"At the end of the consultation period, we’ll analyse your feedback and use it to help shape the detail of the parking proposals.

"North Somerset Council’s Executive will then consider whether to take the proposals further later in the year.

"We understand that these proposals ask something extra of residents when they are facing financial pressures and feeling the squeeze".

Weston Mercury: North Somerset Council launched its consultation on the Parking Management Strategy and Action Plan

She continued: "Like all councils across the country, North Somerset Council is facing unprecedented demand for services at a time of rising costs so has to make financial savings to cover a £50 million funding gap over the four years to 2028.

"It’s in response to these same financial pressures that many local authorities, including neighbours in Somerset and Bath & North East Somerset, have introduced parking charges.

"It is hoped that the parking charges could help cover the council’s costs of funding the maintenance and operation of our car parks, along with improved enforcement of on-street parking restrictions.

"We also hope that they can encourage more people to make shorter journeys sustainably, travelling by bike or on foot."

Members of the public can share their thoughts via an online questionnaire until midday on Tuesday May 7.

Details about how to get involved can be found on the council's website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/getinvolved.

Drop-in information events will be held over the next several weeks.

Comments submitted via the council's public consultation questionnaire will be considered only.