Controversial parking zone in Southsea set to be decided next week

SOUTHSEA is set to be hit with more parking restrictions but some are concerned another zone will cause more problems than it solves.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Next week the council will consider implementing a new residents' parking zone, known as MD, in the area surrounding Albert Road.

If approved only motorists with permits will be able to park there between 4.30pm and 6.30pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Traffic and transport boss, Councillor Lynne Stagg, believed the limits would 'give priority over parking to residents when they most need it.'

The proposed MD parking zone will be centered around Albert RoadThe proposed MD parking zone will be centered around Albert Road
The proposed MD parking zone will be centered around Albert Road

But Sue Dorey, the clinical director for veterinarian The Cat Clinic i

'I am really worried about where they're going to park as well as what our staff are going to do. Many of our customers have to transport their cats in boxes and many are elderly or have children with them so they can't park really far away. This will stop them wanting to come to us.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A recent petition against the zone garnered 144 signatures from Albert Road customers.

The proposed MD zone. Picture: Portsmouth City CouncilThe proposed MD zone. Picture: Portsmouth City Council
The proposed MD zone. Picture: Portsmouth City Council

However, the newest consultation on MD received 327 responses from residents living inside the zone, with 212 in favour and 48 against - the rest were either undecided or opted only for a city-wide scheme.

One Campbell Road resident commented: 'The proposal to put forward the permit holders only between 4.30pm-6.30pm is absolutely no good at all because if said resident wants to go out of an evening then said resident will not be able to get near their homes late at night because obviously someone will have parked there.'

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But Cllr Lynne Stagg said: 'There are a number of competing demands on the parking in this location; the proposed parking zone aims to better manage the parking and to encourage people to think about how they travel to the area.

Nelson Road in Southsea could become part of the MD zoneNelson Road in Southsea could become part of the MD zone
Nelson Road in Southsea could become part of the MD zone

'The proposed operating time of 4.30pm-6.30pm aims to give priority over parking to residents when they need it most, for example on returning from work, whilst being mindful of the evening economy of Albert Road.'

A formal consultation is about to begin on neighbouring zone ME.

Councillors will decide on MD at a cabinet meeting on Monday, July 1.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.