DISCOUNT car parking could be coming to Highbridge to make under-used bays in the town more attractive.

This is the view of Liberal Democrat town councillor Phil Harvey who wants to slash the cost of season ticket prices by hundreds of pounds.

He believes making season tickets cheaper will increase revenue at Bank Street Car Park by encouraging more people to use it.

Cllr Harvey is set to unveil proposals for one hour’s free parking and cut-price season tickets at the car park to Burnham and Highbridge Town Council’s Policy and Finance Committee on November 27.

He said figures from three Highbridge car parks show that Bank Street is ‘seriously underused’.

“At the moment, the income from Bank Street from the general public is only £18,000 per annum whereas the figures from Oxford Street and Pier Street in Burnham-on-Sea are £94,600 and £247,000, respectively.

“Breaking the figures for Bank Street down shows a daily usage averaging 46 cars – with a further 20 from drainage board employees who benefit from a £3,000 per year contract with Sedgemoor District Council,” Cllr Harvey said.

“There is limited off street parking in Church Street and adjacent roads. Many houses date back to times when residents had no cars, let alone two, and so provision for parking is limited.

If some could be tempted to use Bank Street, parking problems could be eased.”

Under the new scheme, Bank Street season tickets will cost £150-a-year, £15 a month and £40 per quarter. Currently, a standard season ticket costs £720 and a residents’ season tickets costs £360.

If approved, the new parking scheme will be introduced in April 2018 and reviewed after a year.

Conservative councillor Deborah Matthews backs the initiative and hopes it will boost trade in the town. She said: “I agree with reducing any parking charges if this action can prove beneficial to the businesses.

“I believe Highbridge town centre needs the help and if this initiative helps that aim then I would fully support it.