As reported in the last Newsletter, taking note of the large number of deputations who attended the Executive Meeting of PCC, on 4 December 2002 , Councillor Phil Shaddock, the Executive Member for Traffic And Transportation declined to accept the City Engineer's recommendations and referred the matter to the newly constituted Scrutiny Panel. This Scrutiny Panel subsequently attended both the West Southsea and the East Southsea Neighbourhood Forums to listen to the respective audiences when they commented upon the proposals as presented by the PCC Parking Manager.

A specially convened meeting of the Scrutiny Panel in the Civic Offices on 4 March 2003, received the views of more than 20 deputations. It is premature to speculate upon the outcome. However, if the expressed opinions are heeded, there may be some substantial changes and possibly reductions to the unwanted spread of restrictions. These merely cause displaced congestion. Hopefully the democratic voice of the neighbourhood will prevail.

It is now understood that the Scrutiny Panel intend to visit other location(s) where similar parking regulations have been introduced and that because of the Council elections a decision is not expected until late May or June.

Bob Adderley