In Williton, two extra free 15-minute stay spaces will be provided in the main car park from Monday December 1 to mitigate for the loss of on-street parking due to roadworks associated with the Washford Cross roundabout scheme.
Free parking will also be provided in Anchor Street car park, Watchet, from December 1 until the completion of the Washford Cross roadworks to mitigate the impact on the town.
In Minehead, there will be free parking after noon on Saturday December 6 in Alexandra Road and North Road car parks to provide an extra boost to the Christmas lights switch-on and festivities.
On the last two Saturdays before Christmas – December 13 and December 20 – parking will be free all day in Williton to encourage people to visit, shop and enjoy the village atmosphere.
Cllr Karen Mills, responsible for car parking, said: “By waiving charges in the run-up to Christmas, I hope that people will take the time to visit our towns and villages and support our local traders.
“The event in Minehead is always really popular - we can help make the switch-on even more successful by providing free parking that afternoon.”
She said the extra, free short-stay places in Williton and suspending charges in Anchor Street, Watchet, were designed to help the local communities affected by the Washford Cross roundabout works near Tropiquaria.
The roundabout, on the A39, is being funded by EDF Energy as part of the company’s site preparation works at Hinkley Point C and will improve safety at an accident blackspot.