Proposed new Portsmouth parking zone could be scrapped due to lack of support

Officers have recommended that the council rejects plans for the HC zone in Copnor after 135 residents objected to the scheme and 57 supported it during a formal consultation.

The proposed zone would cover an area east of Copnor Road between Copnor Bridge and Burrfields Road and would allow only permit holders to park from 6pm until 8pm.

But in a report put together by Tristan Samuels, Portsmouth City Council's director of regeneration, it said: 'It is recommended not to introduce a residents parking zone in the HC area based on the responses received to the formal traffic regulation order consultation.

'The majority of residents within the HC Kendal Avenue area who responded to the proposals are not in favour of the scheme.

'The major concern from those outside the area regarding displaced parking could be resolved by surveying and if there was sufficient support developing residents' parking zones for neighbouring areas to manage potential displaced parking.'

Out of the 135 objections, 69 were made by residents inside the HC zone and 39 were outside. The others did not provide addresses. 44 residents from within HC were in support.

A Station Road resident said: 'I am strongly for residents’ parking permits as the parking issue is an absolute nightmare at all times of the day week and weekends and completely restricts my life. There are a lot of commercial vehicles that park in the road that take up a lot of spaces.'

However, some did not agree with the proposed time limits.

A resident of Manor Park Avenue commented: 'After 8pm once again the whole area will become a free for all for anyone to park anywhere they like with whatever vehicle hence not stopping the commercial vehicle problem, meaning that residents will still run the risk of arriving home after 8pm with still nowhere to park only this time we're being charged for the privilege.'

One Seafield Road resident added: 'The motorist is regarded as a demon and is exploited as a cash cow at every opportunity.'

Council leader Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson will make the final decision on the zone at a meeting on Monday, March 16.