Residents oppose parking charges

Residents oppose paying for parking in proposed scheme.

People in three areas of Bristol affected by a proposal to extend a residents' parking scheme attended a meeting to show their opposition.

Bristol City Council plans to bring in controlled parking in a ring around the city centre.

Residents of Clifton, Hotwells and Clifton Wood were invited to attend the meeting and have their say.

Campaign organiser Bernard Cook said the scheme will not sort out parking problems by taking away spaces.

The situation isn't perfect now but this is not the scheme to sort it out Campaigner Bernard Cook

Mr Cook said: " Let's not try and fix it with something that will make it worse."

Bristol City Council said residents and businesses are being consulted to tackle congestion across the city and to encourage residents to use public transport and park-and-ride services.

Councillor Mark Bradshaw said the scheme will make it easier for motorists living near the city to park nearer their homes, improve road safety and remove obstructions from roads for emergency vehicles.

The proposed Residents' Parking Scheme will be made up of zones identifying streets where residents need a permit to park.

A permit will cost £40 a year, a second permit will cost £80 and a third permit £500 a year.

Mr Bradshaw said: "As a major city we need to have a more effective means of managing our limited on-street parking space."

He said the council is consulting with local traders to get solutions on local traffic transport issues.

"Doing nothing is not a serious option. Parking is getting worse," he added.

Residents and businesses have until 1 August to return consultation questionnaires.