Agenda item

The report by the Director of Transport, Environment and Business Support seeks to provide the consultation responses to the proposal under Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) 13/2016 to enable an informed decision to be made.

RECOMMENDED that the 'Portsmouth City Council (KA Old Portsmouth) (Residents' Parking Zone Amendment) (No.13) Order 2016' be implemented as advertised, reducing the free parking period within the KA zone residents' parking bays from 2 hours to 1 hour.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation agreed that the 'Portsmouth City Council (KA Old Portsmouth) (Residents' Parking Zone Amendment) (No.13) Order 2016' be implemented as advertised, reducing the free parking period within the KA zone residents' parking bays from 2 hours to 1 hour.

Councillor Fleming had received written deputations which were circulated, which included an apology from Ward Councillor Rob Wood that he could not attend this meeting.

Pam Turton, the Assistant Director of Transport, Environment & Business Support, presented this report and explained the background of ensuring that the parking zones were working effectively.  The report set out the results of the consultation on reducing the period of free parking from 2 hours to 1 hour, and consultation responses were reproduced in full at Appendix B of the report.  Objections to the proposal had been received from some businesses in Old Portsmouth and the Anglican Cathedral whose users would be affected.

Deputations were made in support of the proposal, whose points are summarised:

i)             Mr Dobson, Friends of Old Portsmouth Association (FOOPA)  - the reduction in free parking was welcomed by the residents for their improved quality of life with encouragement of sustainable alternatives to visiting cars (but this would not affect blue badge holders) and improved air quality.  He referred to a business parking refund project in Dorchester, and he felt it would benefit the taxi trade.  The Church of England also has carbon reduction targets.

ii)            Anna Koor, spoke as a resident who does not run a car and pays for visitor scratch cards and she felt that people should pay for parking on the highway and public land.  The cathedral volunteers should be reimbursed by the church, as everyone had to be treated fairly. She supported the reasons given in the officer's report and the future air pollution mitigation.

iii)           Angela Page from the Spice Island Association supported the proposal as a positive measure to reduce the parking in Old Portsmouth by shoppers using Gunwharf and to encourage other means of transport and reduce car use.  The Landrover BAR and Hotwalls had encouraged more tourists and there is reduced parking available at the Camber.

iv)           Tony Davenport, also from Spice Island Association, thought that the restriction on free parking would release spaces needed for local residents.  The also referred to a Council of London scheme in which some streets had specific hours restricted to residents' parking only which he hoped would be looked at by officers.

(Mr Davies had been due to speak but was not present due to travelling back from work)

Councillor Lynne Stagg, Spokesperson, recognised that the majority of residents were in favour of the proposal which aimed to alleviate parking problems in the area, so she also supported this.  Councillor Stuart Potter, Spokesperson, felt that this would also help the local economy with a higher turnover of vehicles.

Councillor Jim Fleming, as Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation, reported that within the main Council budget £40k had been set aside for an area study for parking in Old Portsmouth, and this could include looking at Mr Davenport's suggestion. Whilst the officers' proposal would make it more difficult for parking for Cathedral users this was in a residents' parking zone, so the residents had to be first priority. It was important to promote sustainable choices.  Councillor Fleming was an advocate of car share and using public transport where possible.  He supported the proposal which would make the situation better for local residents.

DECISION: The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation agreed that the 'Portsmouth City Council (KA Old Portsmouth) (Residents' Parking Zone Amendment) (No.13) Order 2016' be implemented as advertised, reducing the free parking period within the KA zone residents' parking bays from 2 hours to 1 hour.