New parking restrictions implemented at Weston Shore
It follows complaints from locals saying the area is “looking like a caravan site”.
New parking restrictions could be introduced on road near the waterfront following complaints the area is “looking like a caravan site”.
Residents have complained that habitable units have been parking in the area of Weston Shore for months at a time.
Southampton City Council is planning to introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ measures for a large section of Weston Parade.
The local authority is also proposing to add ‘limit waiting’ bays to allow parking during the day and add an overnight restriction in nearby car parks.
Woolston ward councillor Sue Blatchford said: “I have since last year received complaints from residents about all the habitable units reducing the road space for parking for casual visitors especially when the car parks are full.
“Residents have raised the issues of items on the road connected with these caravans and other units.
“Residents have been unhappy with the visual impact of these permanent units on the road.”
Cllr Blatchford said she supported the proposed parking changes, which she said will not impact the “casual visitor” but should stop Weston Parade “looking like a caravan site”.
Fellow Woolston councillor said the situation at Weston Shore had been the “biggest issue” in his inbox this summer.
He said officers from the council’s homelessness team had visited the habitable units to ask if they would accept assistance to find privately rented accommodation.
Those who remained had declined this help, Cllr Payne said.
“Regarding the presence of the vehicles at Weston Shore, there are two schools of thought, one is that the shore needs to be cleared of all vehicles, and the other is that the occupants are doing no harm and should be left alone,” Cllr Payne said.
“The consultation on parking restrictions should identify which of these is the majority view, and I will then seek to carry out the residents’ wishes once they have been proven.”
A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said vehicles causing concern were being used for accommodation, which raised sanitary and safety issues.
“By introducing these restrictions, it will allow the council to deal with these issues and remove obstructions for drivers using these roads and the vast number of people that enjoy walking, wheeling and cycling along Weston Parade,” the spokesperson said.
The council is also planning to bring in ‘no waiting at any time’ along a section of Hazel Road in the Peartree ward due to similar problems.
Traffic regulation order consultations on the plans have taken place in recent weeks.