Roads, travel and parking

Includes problems on the road, road closures, Rights of Way and sponsorship

Car park locations in Somerset

A list of all car parks including the address, opening times and charges.

Find your nearest car park

Also in this section

Problems on the road

Includes how to report potholes, flooding, and traffic lights

Roadworks and closures

Includes information about plans for temporary and new works and closures

Travel

Includes road closures and other travel information during periods of severe weather, as well as some helpful links to other services

Pages in Problems on the road

Report a problem on the road

We repair potholes and other road defects, and maintain our roads, for the safe access of all road users

Flyposting and graffiti

Illegal temporary advertising and graffiti on Council property

Overgrown verge or hedge on the road

During the growing season we carry out a number of environmental maintenance operations to help keep all road users safe

Bridges and retaining walls

When you report an incident to us, we will assess the severity and assign an inspector

Drains and gullies

We provide a drain cleaning service which includes road drains on all the roads we maintain

Report problem with a tree by the road

We are responsible for maintaining most trees on roadside verges, including street trees in urban areas

Harmful or poisonous weeds

We are responsible for controlling certain noxious weeds, including ragwort

Hazards on the road

Examples of hazards can include hazardous waste, traffic cones, blown tyre, rubbish

Highway safety inspections

How we carry out our inspections and information on our policy and procedures

Dead animals

Contact us to report casualties on the road, footway or verge that may be a hazard to the public

Mud on the road

We maintain the highway network in a safe and accessible condition for highway users

Pavement and cycle path problems

We aim to provide safe footways and cycleways to encourage the public to use them more

Potholes, road damage and edge loss

Report a pothole and other road defects to us so that we can inspect and plan repairs

Report a vehicle parked on a grass verge

What we will do depends on the nature of the obstruction

Snow and ice

Latest information about services like schools, waste collections and transport affected by snow and ice

Traffic lights

We maintain over 300 traffic light locations throughout the county

Unauthorised use of a highway verge

What we will do depends on the nature of the obstruction

Pages in Roadworks and closures

Somerset Highways Annual Works Map

An interactive map which will allow people to check on the progress of key highway maintenance functions

Roadworks and travel information

Get live travel information including weather affected roads

Traffic Regulation Orders

Road closures and restrictions are enforced by Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs).

Emergency road closure gates

Find out the current status of roads that have emergency closure gates

Apply for a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order for works on a road

Contact us if you would like to close a road for safety reasons

Closing a road for an event

Helping to minimise traffic congestion and risks to safety on the highway if you are planning an event

Play streets and playing out sessions

The Play Streets scheme is a free resident and community led initiative to enable children to play freely and safely in the street close to their home.

Apply for a licence to do minor works on or near the road – Section 171

A company or contractor can apply on behalf of the land or property owner, but the licence will remain in the possession of the land or property owner.

Apply to place temporary traffic lights on the road

To place temporary traffic lights or stop-go boards on the public highway you must have a licence

Apply for a licence to dig up the road

The licence allows the repair and placing of apparatus and services across the road

Apply for a Street Works Licence for transport surveys (Section 50)

Licence for temporary data collection or survey equipment installation on public highways under Section 50 regulations.

Substantial Roadworks List (section 58)

Details of all streets where restrictions apply

Street and roadworks problems

We maintain the roads and pavements that are managed at public expense in Somerset

Pages in Travel

Active travel

Our vision for healthy and active communities, with a good-quality cycling and walking experience for all

Somerset Rural Active Travel Toolkit

Helping rural communities in Somerset create safer, greener ways to walk, wheel, cycle and ride.

Roadworks and travel information

Get live travel information including weather affected roads

Flooding on the roads

We are responsible for helping to manage flooding through planning, investigation and supporting community recovery

Gritting

Key information about our gritting routes and being prepared this winter

Gritting map

Visit our interactive map to see which roads will be gritted this winter

Home to school transport

Information and guidance for parents and guardians of children who use school transport

Snow and ice

Latest information about services like schools, waste collections and transport affected by snow and ice

Rights of Way

Includes footpaths, bridleways and open-access land

Public and community transport

Includes bus passes, park and ride information and community transport links

Parking

Includes paying or challenging a fine, blue badges and permits

Pages in Rights of Way

Guidance on protecting land from public access claims

Protecting land from becoming a public right of way or registered as a town or village green

The River Parrett Trail

A scenic 50-mile walk that can be enjoyed over three to four days or as a series of shorter walks

South Somerset 80 mile cycleway

Download free section maps and cycle route information

Public Rights of Way

How we look after our rights of way network

Report a problem with a public right of way

Report problems on footpaths, bridleways and byways using our interactive map

Rights of way requests

A summary of rights of way works and closures in Somerset

Request to view the Public Rights of Way Definitive Map and Statement

The Definitive Map and Statement is the legal record of the location and description of Public Rights of Way

Rights of way – Closures

A list of closed rights of way

Rights of way – Application decisions

Our recent decisions and investigation reports on applications to modify the Definitive Map and Statement. These decisions may be subject to appeals or objections.

Rights of way – Fixed changes

A list of fixed changes to our rights of way

Apply to erect a new gate across a public footpath or bridleway

You need permission to erect a new gate across a public footpath or bridleway on your land

Apply for the temporary closure of a right of way

Find out how to close a public right of way temporarily

Apply to divert a public right of way

Contact us to be put in touch with the relevant officer for your area

Apply to add, delete or upgrade a public right of way

Apply to modify the Definitive Map and Statement if public rights of way are incorrectly recorded

Apply to change the surface of a public right of way

If you want to change the surface of the public right of way, you must get our authorisation

Apply for consent to hold a motor event on a public right of way

To hold a motor vehicle event on any public right of way, you will need our consent

Walks and trails in Somerset

Information about many of the walks and trails in Somerset, including links to other websites and maps

Walking and cycling maps

We have produced a series of 20 walking and cycling maps to help you to explore the county

Somerset Local Access Forum

The forum aims to improve access to the countryside in Somerset

Pages in Public and community transport

Concessionary bus passes

National Concessionary Travel Scheme Passes are for Somerset residents of pensionable age or who are disabled

Apply to be a Somerset volunteer driver

People across Somerset with no transport of their own need help to get to important medical appointments

Slinky Services

These services are for passengers not served by or unable to access other types of Public Transport and welcomes passengers of all ages.

Bus timetables

Find timetables for your local services and contact details for operators in Somerset

Taunton Park and Ride

Information about the two park and ride sites and running times

Bus it – You know it makes sense

We have joined forces with the Somerset Bus Partnership, which represents passengers to encourage more people in the county to use the bus

Somerset Bus Passenger Charter

This charter has been created in partnership between Somerset Council and local bus operators, bus users, and stakeholders.

How to give feedback about bus services

We welcome feedback about bus services across the Somerset area.

Car Schemes

A community car scheme is a not for profit organisation, usually run by volunteers, that operates a form of car sharing.

Post‑16 travel assistance for students with SEND

Post-16 students who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) may be eligible for support with travel to and from school.

Post-16 SEND travel assistance decision reviews

How we assess students over 16 years old who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) for travel assistance

Community transport in Somerset

A service for people who do not have access to public transport and are without access to suitable alternative transport

Home to school transport

Information and guidance for parents and guardians of children who use school transport

School travel assistance for students with SEND

Students who have Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) may be eligible for support with travel to and from school

Plan your bus journey

You can plan your journey and find bus stops and routes.

Pages in Parking

Car parks and Pay and Display

Information about our car parks and pay and display

Car park season tickets

We offer season tickets which are valid for long-stay car parks, residential and business areas

Parking waivers – suspensions and dispensations

Find out about suspensions and dispensations

Electric vehicle charging

Our strategy, vision and action plan for the further roll-out of electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Somerset

Loading permits

Information on how to apply for a Loading Permit and if you need one

Electric vehicle chargepoints in Somerset

Find out where chargepoints are across Somerset

Parking revenues and controlled parking spaces

The Local Government Transparency Code

Parking schemes and permits

Information on parking schemes and how to apply for a parking permit for residents, visitors, Care Workers, landlords and businesses

Car park National Parking Platform service

The National Parking Platform makes it simple for drivers to use their preferred app in more places.

On-street parking restrictions

Information on the parking restrictions we enforce and how to report badly parked vehicles

Coaches, motorcycles and motor home parking

Coach, motor home and motorcycle parking is available in some parts of Somerset.

Apply for or renew a Blue Badge

Information about disabled parking badges and how to apply for one

Taunton Park and Ride

Information about the two park and ride sites and running times

Appeal a Blue Badge decision

How to appeal if you have not been awarded a disabled parking badge

Apply for a Blue Badge if you have a hidden disability (a non-visible condition)

How to apply for a disabled parking badge under the hidden disabilities criteria

Disabled parking bays

Our rules about how we can help with parking close to your home if you are a disabled driver

Report the misuse of a Blue Badge

How to tell us if you think someone is misusing a disabled parking badge

Request a replacement Blue Badge

What to do if your disabled parking badge is lost, stolen or damaged

Update or cancel a Blue Badge

How to update your disabled parking badge if you change your address or name, or you want to cancel it

Parking fines – Penalty Charge Notices

You can pay, challenge or make a representation about a parking fine

Where you can park with a Blue Badge

Information about how you can use a disabled parking badge

Road and transport schemes

Includes information on car sharing, road projects and road safety.

Road and pavement alterations

Includes information on loading permits, skip licences, road and pavements works and how to apply for them

Road policy and plans

Includes information on transport strategies, policies, plans, road schemes and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Pages in Road and transport schemes

The Structures Fund

Information about a new grant funding opportunity from the Department for Transport (DfT) to cover the capital costs of repairing or replacing local highways structures.

Road projects

We deliver Major Highway Schemes which have been identified through the Local Transport Plan process

Transport survey information

Our Data Team collects, processes, reports and shares a range of transport data to provide an evidence base

Reduction in street lighting in Somerset

Reducing the number of streetlights left on at night when vehicles and pedestrians are not present

Residential and commercial road development

Information for developers and house vendors about constructing new highways and housing estate roads

Find small improvement schemes

View plans for small improvement schemes

UK Government funded highways repairs and maintenance

Highways repairs and maintenance made possible by reallocated HS2 funding

Road improvement schemes

You can submit a proposal for a new road improvement scheme

Roadside grass cutting

Find our grass cutting programme and environmental operations

Emergency diversion routes for the A39 or A358

Diversion routes and signs for when the A39 or A358 must be closed in the event of an accident or an emergency

Whitnell Corner Road Safety Scheme

Work to replace an existing junction where Bath Road B3139 intersects with the B3135, including a new roundabout

The National Bus Strategy – Bus Back Better

A national bus strategy with the aim of transforming local bus services

Cycle to Work Scheme

Find out about Cycle to Work Scheme aimed at encouraging employees to cycle to work

Pages in Road and pavement alterations

Surface Dressing

Find out more about why, when and how we surface dress roads

Dropped kerbs and driveways

Anyone who wants to make a driveway onto their property, or 'dropped kerb', will need approval from us

Request permission for decorations across the road

Get consent to put a banner, bunting, flags or decorations across or along a road

Apply for scaffolding licence

Permits for scaffold on the highway are only issued to accredited contractors

Apply for skip licence

Licences for skips on the highway are only issued to accredited contractors

Pages in Road policy and plans

Future Transport Plan

A plan that sets out our long-term strategy for getting the best from transport

Transport Asset Management Plan

The Transport Asset Management Plan outlines how the transport assets in the county are assessed and managed

Transport policy

We look at transport requirements and the best way to have a comprehensive and efficient transport network

Travel Plans

National Planning Policy Framework says that any new development likely to create a lot of transport movement should be required to provide a Travel Plan

Insurance claims

Find out how to make an insurance claim against Somerset Council, including highway, personal injury, property damage and vehicle-related claims

Road records

Request information on highway boundary ownership - stopping up requests and queries about retaining walls

Highway Authority consultation on planning process

We provide the Highway Authority's response to all development proposals in Somerset

Transport Strategy, Policies and Plans

We develop transport strategies, policies and plans to make the most of what we have now and to prepare for the longer term

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans are focused, 10-year plans for developing a cycle and walking network within a local area

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

Our strategy, vision and action plan for the further roll-out of electric vehicle charging Infrastructure

Highway planning information and advice

Guidance about submitting a planning application

Road signs, markings and lighting

Includes streetlights, traffic lights, signs, markings, advertising and sponsorship

Road safety

Includes how we promote safer driving through education and road safety campaigns

Major projects

Includes Environmental Monitoring, and Transport and Infrastructure evidence

Pages in Road signs, markings and lighting

Speed limits

Request information about new or existing traffic calming measures

Road signs, bollards and road markings

Includes information about non-illuminated bollards, pedestrian crossings, requesting a village nameplate and how to apply for a new road sign

Report a problem with a street light

We maintain and repair street lights to national standards to provide safe access to all road users

Advertising design requirements

Please follow these guidelines before submitting your artwork and we will send it to our contractor for your sign design.

Street nameplate repairs

We aim to keep street nameplates in good repair and fitted in suitable positions. Please notify us of a damaged or missing nameplate

Advertising on roundabouts

Spin your success story: roundabout advertising that turns heads!

Pages in Road safety

Cycle safety

Information on cycling safely, legally and keeping your bike in good condition

Somerset Road Safety

Find out about how we promote safer driving through education and road safety campaigns

Closing a road for an event

Helping to minimise traffic congestion and risks to safety on the highway if you are planning an event

Play streets and playing out sessions

The Play Streets scheme is a free resident and community led initiative to enable children to play freely and safely in the street close to their home.

Pages in Major projects

The Structures Fund

Information about a new grant funding opportunity from the Department for Transport (DfT) to cover the capital costs of repairing or replacing local highways structures.

Live Labs 2 Programme

Programme that aims to decarbonise the local highways network

Traffic Signal Recovery Programme

Information about a major project to replace ageing traffic signals across Somerset

Latest travel news

Community
Oct 9

Council plan outlines major investment in transport infrastructure

Somerset Council’s Executive this week approved a major transport investment plan that aims to improve roads, bus services and walking…