The issue of commuters parking in the village of Micheldever Station is coming to a head as councillors ponder whether to impose tough new restrictions on local roads.
Winchester City Council is considering a TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) for many of the roads around Micheldever Station after years of complaints from residents fed up with cars parked in the area.
A decision was due to be taken on 9th November 2016 at a Guildhall meeting but Cllr James Byrnes, Portfolio Holder for Transport, deferred it pending further reports from stakeholders including the Parish Council.
Local MP Steve Brine has been contacted by commuters arguing against the parking restrictions as well as constituents in the village who want them imposed. He has represented all views faithfully to the City Council over many years. Today (Thursday 10th November 2016) Steve spent time in the village chatting with residents and met with Cllr Byrnes to discuss the issues.
He says; "I know many villagers will be disappointed the TRO wasn't confirmed last night but actually I think that was the right decision because a decision such as this needs to be taken with all available information on the table. That absolutely includes safety in the village and protecting what is a lovely area but it should also consider the bigger picture and be very sure there are no unintended consequences.
"The rail service from Micheldever Station is an important part of the local transport economy, adds great value to homes in the village and is much valued by commuters from across the Dever Valley and further down towards Winchester. On the other hand, the village is fed up with dozens of cars arriving in the village each weekday morning and I saw some awful examples today that were unfair and actually quite dangerous because of cars being parked too near junctions and driveways. As the MP for the whole area, I have to represent everyone and do what I can to see decisions taken by the local authority are fair to all."
The MP added that any solution to this issue must involve the train operating company and Network Rail; "South West Trains are obviously the current operator but we have the added complication that they might not be after the Spring when the new South Western Rail Franchise is awarded. It's understandable they don't want to invest too much right now but that doesn't mean we shouldn't talk to them - as well as their competitor for the franchise, First Group.
"I am taking a very close interest in this and have pledged to do everything I can to liaise with councillors at all levels of local government as well as the railway companies and local landowners before this is before WCC again."
Pictured; Cllr James Byrnes from WCC discussing the issue in Micheldever Station with Steve Brine.
More information ...
South West Trains - Micheldever Station
Petition on WCC website against parking restrictions
Cabinet (Traffic and Parking) Committee meeting, 9th November 2016
