New parking zone could be introduced along Southsea seafront
A NEW parking zone could be introduced along Southsea seafront in a bid to free up spaces for residents.
The MF residents' parking zone could be implemented north of Canoe Lake in an area bordered by St Ronan's Road, Festing Road, Albert Road and St Helen's Parade.
If approved the zone will allow only residents with permits to park in the road between 11am and midday, and 6pm and 7pm.
Portsmouth City Council's traffic and transport boss Councillor Lynne Stagg said: 'The residents in the remaining area of MF were affected by day-trippers visiting the coast.
'This has resulted in the recommendation that the hours should be split so that only permit holders only can park between 11am-12pm and 6pm-7pm.
'It is hoped this will encourage visitors to use car parks and other public parking away from residential areas.'
It comes after a survey of the area was conducted last year with 54 per cent in favour of a zone, 41 per cent against and five per cent not indicating either way.
In the feedback on Bembridge Crescent a resident said: 'Parking on Bembridge Crescent and Craneswater Avenue at weekends during spring, summer and autumn, is as you’re aware, a real problem for residents.
'Day-trippers heading to the seafront quickly use up any available space, as well as behave inconsiderately (illegal parking, bumping/pushing other cars to squeeze into too tight spots, littering.)'
A Parkstone Avenue resident agreed. 'We are fed up with not being able to park into the evening and at weekends due to people parking their vans, trucks, motor homes, taxis, camper vans on Parkstone Avenue,' they said.
'The restricted parking in other areas has caused a knock-on effect into our road as we do not yet have restrictions, making matters worse.'
It is thought the scheme will cost £25,000 which will be met by the council's on-street parking budget.
A decision on the MF zone will be made at a traffic and transport meeting on Thursday, February 27.
The next areas to be surveyed as part of the council's rolling parking programme are MG, MH and MI.