Parking plans – who supported and who opposed proposals for citywide controls

The greatest support for additional parking controls in Chichester came from those living in the centre, a consultation found.

Analysis of responses to a consultation in March this year found ‘considerable variations in opinion’ depending on postcode to the question of whether citywide parking controls were needed.

In the map to the right, green depicts zones where total support for citywide parking controls is at least 50 per cent, orange where support is 40-49 per cent and zones with the lowest level of support are shown in red.

It was noted that ‘respondents from outside the zones are far more likely to oppose the need for a PMP [parking management plan] (75 per cent strongly oppose/ oppose)’.

At the time the parking plans were suggested, there were concerns from shopkeepers and employees about the impact on people commuting into the city, whose earnings would be diminished by having to pay for parking.

A report into consultation responses found there was a ‘greater level of support for the principle of introducing a Parking Management Plan for Chichester than for the actual proposals currently ‘on the table’. Overall, 36 per cent of respondents support the need for the PMP, while 27 per cent are in favour of progressing the plans as currently proposed’.

Comments from respondents included concerns over parking capacity, access, such as to schools and healthcare facilities, the costs of permits and off-street parking and the impact on the city’s economy.

There were also calls for alternative measures such as park and ride facilities, new car parks and improved cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as suggestions that residents’ permits should be provided free of charge.

Summersdale Residents’ Association appealed for a collaborative approach to parking with the hospital and Chichester University.

It wrote that the proposals were ‘drastic’ and a ‘hammer to crack a nut’.

It added: “Chichester is a small, close community. It is a great place to live. This zone scheme will merely divide the community as it has in all cities split by the cost of parking.

“Let us avoid making this community live perpetually in fear of the parking fine and the dreaded warden.”

The Chichester Society supported better utilisation of existing parking space but warned of the impact on lower paid staff and urged the county council to reserve sites for future park and ride facilities in view of ‘unprecendented’ levels of new housing.