SOMERSET County Council has revealed plans for a sharp hike in price for residents in Minehead who pay for resident parking permits.

At the moment those with parking permits in Quay Street and Quay West pay £8.

If new proposals go ahead, residents could face paying up to £70 by 2016/17 and up to £150 for a second vehicle.

Justine Baker, prospective parliamentary candidate for Bridgwater and West Somerset said: “I am shocked like many residents across Somerset about this huge rise in parking permits.

“The whole of the county is looking at a massive increase, with Taunton having its doubled which is bad enough.

For West Somerset to have an increase of 400% is just outrageous.

“If you have two cars, the cost of the second permit is even higher, when previously it had been lower.

“It seems that West Somerset seems to be getting a raw deal again – it is having vital bus service cuts and now this increase.”

A spokesman for Somerset County Council said: “We are currently reviewing our parking services and are asking for views from members of the public before any decisions are made.

“The proposals aim to make the current system fairer across the county by standardising rates and ensuring the parking service can cover its costs now and in the future.

“We want to stress that all parking- related income generated, whether from permits or penalties, is used to cover the cost of administering, maintaining and enforcing parking services across the county, helping to keep Somerset moving.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in parking to give feedback by January 10, by visiting www.somerset.gov.uk and clicking ‘Have your say’ or call 01823- 358196 to request a paper copy.”