Edinburgh Portobello CPZ recommended to go ahead despite 'overwhelming' opposition from residents
Councillors are being recommended to go ahead with the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone in Portobello despite "overwhelming" opposition from residents.
But changes are proposed to the original scheme, no longer imposing the controls on Sundays, and delaying its implementation in Joppa for the time being.
Campaigners opposed to the CPZ point to a 1,900-signature petition against the scheme - which involves residents having to pay for a parking permit - and warn there could be a legal challenge if it goes ahead.
A decision is due to be made by the city council's Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) sub-committee on Tuesday, December 16.
A report from officials says: "It is clear that there is an overwhelming community feeling against the proposals, and some concern in terms of how controls would work, and what impact those controls might have on the people and businesses of Portobello.
"However, the results of the recent monitoring surveys confirm that Portobello remains subject to high parking pressures in many streets throughout the week with high visitor numbers, reflecting Portobello’s popularity as a shopping and recreational destination.
"It is still considered that Portobello would benefit from the management and control of kerbside space, putting measures in place that would benefit residents, businesses and visitors to this busy and popular area."
The report says a total of 2,341 people responded when the TRO for the scheme was advertised.
The most common objection - from around 35 per cent of those inside the area and 48 per cent of those outside - was that the scheme was unaffordable, unwanted or excessive or penalised residents.
Approximately 30 per cent of respondents from within the proposed area and over 42 per cent from outwith it said the planned CPZ would be harmful to businesses, with over 22 per cent of all respondents also concerned that the proposals may deter visitors.
And about 28 per cent of those from within the proposed area and over 14 per cent of those from outwith said there were no parking issues and that existing parking is sufficient or controls were not required.
Campaign group, Portobello and Joppa Residents & Businesses Against CPZ claim the council’s data used to justify year-round parking restrictions is flawed, because the monitoring was only carried out during the busy season, in June and September.
Resident Nikki Middleton said: “Summer surveys, conducted during peak tourism months, have been used to justify this scheme, yet no explanation has been provided on how seasonal bias was accounted for.
“Portobello’s year-round parking pressures are very different from the summer months. This is not only unethical but goes against every principle of good governance and objective data validation."
And Jane Grant, chair of the local traders’ association, which represents over 50 small businesses, said: "The council is pushing forward with a plan that will pile yet more financial pressure on already struggling households and lead to fewer people shopping locally.
“If approved, these parking controls will damage a vibrant and welcoming seaside community, make it harder for disabled people and those with caring needs to live fulfilling lives, and force more working class families to leave the area.
“As local residents and business owners we have tried to engage with the ocuncil at every stage and will continue to do so, but if this poorly-designed and unwanted parking plan goes ahead we reserve the right to challenge its legality and process by which the council has designed this plan.
“We are a strong and united community and will not allow the council to ignore local people and impose these measures unchallenged."
The campaigners say any legal challenge would be made via judicial review, assessing whether the council had acted lawfully, fairly, and reasonably in approving the TRO.