Portsmouth Labour holds public meeting bringing over 150 local residents together at the Wedgwood Rooms on Albert Road

The community event was hosted by Central Southsea Cllr George Fielding, local campaigner Charlotte Gerada, St Jude Cllr Judith Smyth, local campaigner Graham Heaney and Eastney and Craneswater campaigner Luke Evans.

After a number of residents, schools and local businesses who had been in touch with us and city MP Stephen Morgan about the city council’s roll out of the new parking arrangements in our community, Portsmouth Labour organised the meeting to follow up feedback on the doorstep, a recent feedback form and hundreds of emails received with views and concerns.

The meeting provided the opportunity to also follow up specific issues being raised with us so far in person.

Charlotte Gerada Central Southsea campaigner said:

‘We’ve been out on the doorstep and listening to concerns, it’s clear that whilst for some they welcome the scheme but for others it’s just not working.

It was fantastic hearing from residents both in the new zones about their experiences so far and those living outside of the new zones.

Bringing everyone together in one room was a worry but there was a real community spirit and lots and lots of great ideas’.

Portsmouth Labour think the current piecemeal approach to the parking problems our city faces just doesn’t work. This was clear from yesterday’s meeting, what the council need a city-wide plan to tackle the issue head on, avoid displacement of vehicles as well as invest in public transport and make it safer and easier to walk and cycle around our city.

Cllr Judith Smyth added:

‘Not only did we get some helpful ideas to take forward it was humbling to see neighbours who have never met each other all sharing the same concerns and finding common ground. I’ve got a list of things to take away and find out more on’.

Responding to Portsmouth Labour’s parking public meeting today, Labour group leader and city MP Stephen Morgan said:

‘Today has been so helpful to hear views for and against the current parking schemes, building on what we’ve been hearing on the doorstep and in our recent feedback form. 

This packed community event was a practical way of helping with the problems, and a successful way to get people involved in a top priority for Portsmouth. 

Parking is a city-wide issue. It needs a city-wide solution. 

 It’s important the administration hears these concerns and acts on them. What we need is more listening to local people and better decision-making by the leadership of the city council’.

Information from the event and other feedback is being collated for the council’s attention.