Parking restrictions introduced to curb caravans

The shore road has direct access to the waterfront where cruise ships sail in and out of the city

Waterfront parking restrictions will be introduced after caravans took up residence on a shore-side road.

Southampton City Council will bring in "no waiting at any time" measures at Weston Parade on 20 November.

The authority said that parked vehicles along the shore road were being used for accommodation, which raised sanitary and safety issues.

Following a public consultation it was decided that both north-east and south-west sides of Weston Parade will see restrictions from near Weston Shore Car Park extending towards the city boundary.

New parking bays will be introduced with a six-hour limit in operation between 06:00 and 22:00, with no return within four hours and no waiting in the area overnight.

Overnight parking - between midnight and 04:00 - will also be prohibited at Weston Shore car parks.

Councillor Christie Lambert, cabinet member for transport, said: "Weston Parade has been experiencing ongoing issues with vehicles being stored on the road for long periods of time and obstructing traffic.

"There have also been structures like caravans which were being used for accommodation and therefore also raised sanitary and safety issues."

Lamber added: "The Traffic Regulation Order consultation saw a great majority of respondents in support of the restrictions.

"Bringing forward the restrictions here and in the nearby car parks allows the council to better deal with these issues and remove obstructions for drivers, while also supporting the vast number of people that enjoy walking, wheeling and cycling along Weston Parade."