Driver unhappy over plans for time-limited parking zone in Southsea

PLANS to bring in a permit zone for a limited period of time have been criticised.
Resident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes in Francis Avenue, changes which residents voted uponResident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes in Francis Avenue, changes which residents voted upon
Resident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes in Francis Avenue, changes which residents voted upon

Portsmouth City Council is consulting on previously enforced zones MB and MC in Southsea.

The MC zone would stop non-permitted drivers from parking in the zone between 5pm and 7pm.

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Homeowner Paul Smith, of Francis Avenue, was initially buoyed when he was told that the council was in talks to bring back the zones.

Resident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes in Francis Avenue, changes which residents voted uponResident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes in Francis Avenue, changes which residents voted upon
Resident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes in Francis Avenue, changes which residents voted upon

But this soon changed when he discovered the time conditions.

The 68-year-old said: 'I think the council had an overwhelming response to the survey, to say that everyone would be in favour of a parking zone. But we weren't told it would be during certain times.

'When parking was allowed before and after 5pm and 7pm last time it meant that a lot of people parked their cars here before going drinking in Southsea because they could leave their cars here all night. That's one of the big problems.

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'It would be more useful to have only two hour periods for non-residents parking allowed to stop people parking overnight.'

Resident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes. Picture: Chris MoorhouseResident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes. Picture: Chris Moorhouse
Resident Paul Smith is angry about Portsmouth City Council's proposed parking changes. Picture: Chris Moorhouse

He added: 'I can't use my car full stop.

'Once I leave my space it will be taken. There will always be someone waiting for your space. I have had to drive around for half an hour in the past just trying to find a space.'

Pam Turton, assistant director for transport at the council, said when the MC zone ran in 2014 it was 'effective n freeing up spaces making it easier for residents to park'.

She said: 'Therefore, the same restriction has been proposed for the MC zone in 2018, with the adjacent MB zone (Orchard Road to Jessie Road) proposed to operate 4pm to 6pm. 

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'The staggered operating times will make it more difficult for non-permit holders to "hop" between zones and avoid enforcement.

Consultations on MB and MC closed on September 20 and a final decision on them is expected later this year.

Ms Turton added: 'Hundreds of residents have engaged with the consultation on the proposed MB and MC parking zones.

'˜All comments are considered and will be included in the report to the cabinet member, to enable informed decisions to be made at the public decision meeting.'

She said each zone should address issues in the specific area.'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹'‹