Emsworth residents raise concerns as parking charge changes at Bridge Road leads to empty car park and full streets
‘It is an accident waiting to happen’
Residents of a number of small roads in Emsworth are bemoaning the council after charges were added to a nearby car park.
Bridge Road Car Park used to be packed full of vehicles through the week, however the addition of charges by Havant Borough Council at the start of August has reportedly seen it used sparingly. It is an issue that has spilled over onto the neighbouring streets which have become packed full of parked cars as commuters and visitors try to find spaces free of charge.
Residents have told The News that the roads have become so clogged the bin collection lorry is unable to access sections of Bridge Road with cars parked on either side.
Len Willie, 75, Victoria Road said: “I’m lucky, I have a driveway but it’s bumper to bumper along the road. When the dustmen come on Thursday, they can’t access Bridge Road, they have to stop in Victoria Road walk down and bring them up. It’s terrible.
“It’s ruining the street. It is always been difficult parking around here but this has made it ten times worse. You just can’t get in anywhere. It’s just rubbish, we are being gradually ruined.”
For Len’s wife Sharon, the issue could result in a serious incident.
She said: “Cars are parking all over the place and it is very difficult. It is an accident waiting to happen, and an ambulance won’t be able to get through. It’s dangerous, especially at school time when it is busy with mums trying to get their kids out and they are running off.”
Concerns were also raised on the impact the addition of charges would have on the town centre with the possibility of footfall being affected.
One resident who did not want to be named said: “It is a bit short sighted. It may impact on people coming to use the shops and walk round the pond and have a coffee. The general feeling in the street is that people are concerned that people who use it to commute are just going to park in the road.”
Mal Lush, 79, of Ernest Close echoed the sentiment. Despite having a driveway, he has to plan ahead if anyone is coming to visits. With so many cars on the street he has to try and find a space for his car so that visitors can use his drive.
Sue Lush described the introduction of charges to the car park as “cruel”.
She said: ”We can’t understand as resident why they have done it, it’s not cheap, especially if you are there all day. I think its cruel, its not fair, as if we don’t have enough to put up with. And of course now people are parked on the pavements and you have to squeeze past.”
Local residents would like to see the charges scrapped to alleviate some pressure on the parking in their roads.
Councillor Richard Brown, Cabinet Lead for Planning and Regulation said “Our priority is to maintain the right balance between long-stay parking and short-stay visitor parking. We want residents, shoppers and visitors to be able to access Emsworth's excellent businesses and services while ensuring parking remains available throughout the day.
“We recognise that Emsworth is a vibrant and popular destination with a thriving high street and excellent transport links. Our aim is to ensure parking provision supports visitors, local businesses and residents, while maintaining fairness for all borough taxpayers.
“Given Bridge Road car park's proximity to the railway station, it is important that this valuable town centre parking asset supports the wider local economy and remains accessible to shoppers and visitors, rather than long stay commuters.
“The introduction of pay and display parking has also brought Emsworth into line with parking arrangements elsewhere in the borough.
“We will continue to review occupancy levels and demand as part of our ongoing assessment to ensure parking provision remains appropriate and balanced for all users.
“Parking permits and season tickets remain available to both businesses and individuals, subject to availability and sufficient capacity within the relevant car park.”