Review will look to solve parking problems in Portsmouth

Residents' parking zones have proved controversial in Portsmouth

Members of the traffic, environment and community safety scrutiny panel at Portsmouth City Council have agreed to look at parking issues on the island after meeting yesterday.

As part of the review, members will look at what the current parking situation is, how other local authorities deal with parking issues and what possible long-term solutions there are.

Chairman of the panel Councillor Stuart Potter said: ‘This strategy is about making parking easier for residents. It is also to make it easier for visitors coming into the city.

‘The problems we have with parking are a mixture of a lot of things from permits to zones so we have got to find a balance of what needs to be done.’

As part of the review, workshops will be held for members of the public to have their say on what problems they face with parking and what solutions they would like.

Liberal Democrat councillor Darren Sanders said the review is crucial as parking is one of the biggest issues in Portsmouth.

‘It is essential the way we look at parking and how we move forward with this review,’ he said.

‘We have got to be realistic with people as parking is one of the biggest issues that affects the city.

‘Councillors need to work with people in Portsmouth to provide solutions. Hopefully this review will do that.’

A number of experts will be used as part of the review including companies with employee parking schemes, cabinet member for traffic and transport Councillor Jim Flemming, other local authorities, the University of Portsmouth and the director of transport, environment and business support at the council Alan Cufley.

Panel member Councillor Ian Lyon welcomed the review. He said: ‘This review is an essential exercise. We need to look at what is a perennial problem in the city.

‘Moving forward, there are a number of elements that need to be looked at but the answer to the problems is to try and reduce the number of cars clogging our streets.

‘We need to look at the current system thoroughly.’