Home | Living | Parking | Parking forum | General forums
General forums
Should you wish to contribute, please use the following email: parkingforum@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Subject: South Parade
Date: 11/08/2008
Comment: When you reach the end of Clarence Esplanade (the end of the slip road coming from the Pyramids) and which leads you onto South Parade, there are some on road pay and display parking. These are on single yellow lines with restrictions between 7pm and 7am reserved for a taxi rank.
I understand that it was needed when all the nightclubs were open on the seafront but as these are now closed, I’ve never seen it used as a taxi rank in the two years I have been living on South Parade.
As a resident, this is very frustrating as the parking is gradually getting worse and sometimes that area could provide adequate additional parking but the restrictions mean it can’t be used.
Can you tell me if there are plans to remove this restriction?
LE – Southsea, Portsmouth
Response: There are proposals to remove the taxi rank restriction you refer to. There are a number of taxi ranks across the City that are no longer required, and as soon as the Licensing Department complete their legal work we are expecting a final list of the restrictions that can be changed.
Once this information has been received, site surveys can be completed, a Traffic Regulation Order drawn up and the proposed changes advertised during the statutory public consultation period. Unfortunately this process can take some months, but we can confirm that the matter is being dealt with.
Subject: Winter Road Parking
Date: 05/08/2008
Comment: Please can you advise if there is anything being down regarding the permanent obstruction being caused by builders at the junction of Winter Road and Devonshire Avenue, where there is currently building work going on.
This has been happening for a very long time. Of course, the firm’s vehicles need to gain access but I have seen, on numerous occasions, their vehicles being parked on the actual pavement for no obvious reason. This causes pedestrians to walk in the road; this includes those with pushchairs and lone children. It also causes issues for other traffic.
The permanent parking of these vehicles has also massively damaged the pavement itself and wonder if the firm will contribute towards the council’s costs for repair?
LR – Southsea, Portsmouth
Response: A Civil Enforcement Officer visited the area concerned and spoke with the Site Manager in relation to the problems you have described. It was explained that once a vehicle has finished loading and/or unloading it must be removed to avoid causing an obstruction. It is has been reported that the Site Manager was agreeable to this option.
The option of applying for a dispensation for the limited waiting area was discussed and although this would not guarantee a parking space it may go some way to assisting.
The damage to the pavement and the cost to the council tax payer was also discussed; the Site Manager confirmed that he had spoken to Colas in relation to the damage and was advised to repair certain pavement slabs that have been damaged, which has been carried out. The Site Manager also stated that Colas will not be resurfacing the pavement until the development was completed which is likely to be around November/December time.
Subject: Southsea Common Car Park
Date: 04/08/2008
Comment: I would like to query the decision to increase the charging period for the Southsea Common Car Park so that charges now apply between 8am and 10pm. Many residents have, in the past, used this car park in the evenings when parking in the area is under great pressure.
I understand the need to maximise revenue from car parking but I am disappointed that residents will be disadvantaged by the decision. Would it be possible to amend the parking rules for this car park so that residents can use it overnight as they have before, perhaps by including it in the KC zone residents scheme overnight.
NS – Southsea, Portsmouth
Response: Currently KC permit holders can in addition to parking within the zone park in Duisburg Way. It is felt that this adequately compensates for the shortfall in parking provision within the zone. The Parking Service will however survey the situation during the evening to assess what the current parking provision is for KC permit holders.
Subject: Queen Alexandra Hospital - Parking
Date: 28/07/2008
Comment: Please can you tell me what policies there are regarding parking at the new Queen Alexandra Hospital, parking can be a problem for visitors, staff and local residents alike and I am curious as to how it will be managed in the future when the hospital is fully open.
DM - Portsmouth
Response: Queen Alexandra Hospital has its own policies in relation to parking at the hospital. The policy of the City Council is only to consider any representations from local residents who may wish to have a residents parking scheme. It is our view that the residential streets around the hospital should be mainly for the use of those residents.
Subject: St Mary's Church Parking
Date: 29/03/2008
Comment: I am writing to complain about the fact that the park that surrounds St Mary's Church in Fratton is used as a car park daily by the Church staff and Church attendants.
I do not know if this problem has something to do with Portsmouth City Council but this is a danger to all the park users.
Everyday there seems to be a car or two parked on both sides of the church especially in the morning/afternoon and when the church holds events like today this becomes worse, and the whole park is occupied by cars mainly driven by elderly people. They park in the green areas and drive though the paths.
This situation as I have mentioned above is dangerous. Pedestrians, dogs, children and passers by are at risk of being hit by a car. Is there anything you could do about it? Why can't church users use nearby car parks like the one next to Asda or park on the road like any resident or visitor in Portsmouth would do?
LM - Portsmouth
Response: The park surrounding St Mary's Church is private land and we believe belongs to the church. It is not Portsmouth City Council land and we do not have the powers to enforce any parking restrictions. It is up to the landlord of the land to decide how it is used whilst taking in to account planning laws.