Parking spaces could be lost as the council considers new pedestrian crossings and 20mph speed limit.

Parking spaces could disappear around Southsea Canoe Lake under plans to improve pedestrian safety and introduce a 20mph speed limit.

Plans to introduce two new pedestrian crossings and a 20mph speed limit around Southsea Canoe Lake are set to be considered by Portsmouth City Council.

Councillor Peter Candlish, the council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, will decide whether to approve the plans on November 19.

101605-149_WEATHER

Canoe Lake, Southsea packed with people enjoying the hot weather.

Picture Allan Hutchings (101605-149) — 101605-149_WEATHER Canoe Lake, Southsea packed with people enjoying the hot weather. Picture Allan Hutchings (101605-149)

placeholder image — 101605-149_WEATHER Canoe Lake, Southsea packed with people enjoying the hot weather. Picture Allan Hutchings (101605-149)

The scheme would see zebra crossings installed at the junction of St Helens Parade and Granada Road, and Eastern Parade and Helena Road.

A 20mph speed limit would also be introduced, alongside changes to parking and a minor reduction in the length of a bus lane to accommodate one of the crossings.

The proposals follow a public consultation which received 35 responses, with 21 in support and 14 objections.

Those backing the plans welcomed improved crossing opportunities and access to Canoe Lake and the seafront, while some raised concerns about speeding and pedestrian safety.

Proposed zebra crossing near St Helen's Parade | Portsmouth City Council

However, objections raised concerns about the loss of parking spaces, the positioning and visibility of the crossings, and whether drivers would comply with the proposed speed limit.

Under the plans, a total of 56.3 metres of existing parking would be removed, equivalent to around 10 spaces.

This includes around five to five-and-a-half spaces near Helena Road and five near Granada Road, affecting a mixture of permit-holder, unrestricted and time-limited parking.

Council officers acknowledged the impact on residents and visitors but said the benefits to pedestrian safety and accessibility justified the changes.

Proposed zebra crossing on Eastern Parade | Portsmouth City Council

The report states the proposals have been developed to provide clearer and more accessible crossing, particularly for people travelling between residential streets, Canoe Lake and the seafront.

Officers said average vehicle speeds were already between 18mph and 19.9mph at the two survey locations, although 85th-percentile speeds reached between 23.4mph and 27.2mph.

The crossings are also intended to provide safer access during the planned seafront closure in March 2027, when works associated with the Southsea Coastal Scheme are due to take place.