Portsmouth parking review continues this week

A council-led study has been launched into what the current parking situation is, how other local authorities deal with parking issues and what the possible long-term solutions are.

Ukip councillor Stuart Potter is leading the panel looking into the different areas.

The first meeting of the panel was last month.

And the next is on Thursday.

It takes place from 5.30pm in the city council’s civic offices off Guildhall Square in conference room A on the second floor.

The panel will hear from the following witnesses; Cllr Jim Fleming, Tory cabinet member for traffic and transport, and Claire Upton-Brown, assistant director of culture and city development.

Meanwhile, Cllr Potter says he has also arranged a meeting with council officers to see if his idea to bring some free parking to Cosham can be brought in.

Cllr Potter wants to see pay and display parking fees lifted between 3pm and 6pm along High Street, and in council car parks, including the one behind the Post Office.

It’s hoped the initiative will be introduced in time for Christmas.

As reported, Cllr Potter came up with the plan after a business spoke up at a council traffic meeting about the way parking charges affect visitor numbers.