Councillors have given the go-ahead for vehicles to use the common up to 17 days a year, mainly during the summer months.

It comes despite a petition with more than 100 signatures objecting to the plans.

Southsea Cllr Linda Symes said she was disappointed at the move.

'This is one of the only green lungs in the city', she said.

'They say it is only 17 days, but that's eight summer weekends – that's the whole summer, and anyone who wants to use it is going to find it covered in cars.

'The common should not be used as a car park at all.'

Cars have been allowed on Southsea Common for the past 25 years on particularly sunny weekends or when there's a special event.

In the past the system has not been officially regulated and stewards have directed traffic and collected cash.

But the decision by councillors means parking meters will be installed on the common between Serpentine Road and the bowling greens on Fridays and removed on Mondays when deemed necessary.

This will net the council about £30,000 a year.

Councillors say it is not about making money, but will make parking safer and more organised.

It could even result in the common being used less than in the past, says the council.

Parking manager Ken Ellcome said the authority was looking at long-term alternatives, such as a new car park on the seafront or changing road layouts to increase on-street parking, but said in the meantime the common is the only option.

He said: 'People will still come to Southsea and unless we provide somewhere for them to park they will park anywhere – it is better to regulate it.'

Cllr Lynne Stagg, who is in charge of traffic and transport at the council, said she didn't want the common ruined but had little choice.

'Portsmouth is selling itself as a premier waterfront city, and part of that is tourism. We need to provide somewhere for them to park,' she said.

'This is not for life, we are looking at alternative options.'