Calls for more Portsmouth residents to help key workers with parking buddy scheme

Since the launch of a 'parking buddy' scheme in the city, Southsea organiser Katie Simms, has been contacted by several essential workers in North End who are struggling to find parking spaces at the end of their shifts.

Under the system Katie has been pairing up Portsmouth residents from the same road, with the key worker phoning their 'buddy' in case they can't find a space. Their buddy then moves out of their space so the key worker doesn't have to drive around for a long time or park far away from home.

Katie, 33, said: 'The responses I have been getting are from people coming back from long shifts or those with families who have come back from picking up their children from care after work and are struggling to get a parking space.

'The people that have been in contact have been really grateful for it so it has definitely served a purpose.'

So far Katie has paired up buddies in Copythorn Road in North End, Francis Avenue and Empshott Road in Southsea, but she said there was still demand from key workers in North End.

She added: 'The problem we are finding is in North End there aren't many people coming forward because it's more difficult for the buddies to find somewhere to go on to.

'But there are some people with driveways or dropped kerbs in that area who could help.'

Katie has also found buddies ready to help key workers with parking in Adair Road in Eastney, Empshott Road in Southsea, Renny Road in Fratton and Chilgrove Road in Drayton.

It comes as Portsmouth City Council has scrapped parking charges in parking zones, for on-street parking and in council owned car parks to allow residents to spread their parking out.

The council's parking boss, Councillor Lynne Stagg, has also been asking for businesses and schools to open up car parks to key workers.

To be a part of the scheme, either as a key worker or a buddy, please email Katie at [email protected].

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