Call for crackdown on High Street illegal parkers

COMMUNITY leaders in Portishead are calling for a crackdown on illegal parking in Portishead High Street – and are asking local people to help.

Local councillors say that despite new traffic regulations being introduced in 2011, people are continuing to park illegally along the High Street.

They are now asking local residents to become their eyes and ears to help stop the problems and a motion is being put to the town council tonight (Wednesday) asking for £1,000 to be allocated which will be spent on launching a 'Park Watch' scheme.

The cash would be used to purchase digital cameras and high visibility vests and a team of volunteers recruited and asked to take pictures of people seen parking illegally.

The pictures would then be sent to the police to act upon.

The idea is the brainchild of local councillor, David Pasley.Mr Pasley said: "We have the new traffic regulations in place but we feel they are being totally ignored.

"A Park Watch scheme would be similar to Speedwatch, although to target problematic parkers rather than speeding drivers."

Councillors are also calling for police to take a more tough stance on illegal parking along the High Street and its side roads.

Regularly motorists are seen parking on the warning zig zags by the pedestrian crossing, on the loading only bays and on the double yellow lines.

Mr Pasley and councillors Reyna Knight and Alan McMurray held a meeting with North Somerset Chief Superintendent Julian Moss late last year to discuss the issue of illegal parking on the High Street.

Illegal parking in the High Street has been raised as a police priority at the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. 

STOP PRESS: There are several photos on this site posted by Portishead People of illegal parking - please post more.