Consultation launched over parking restrictions proposed by Hampshire County Council for Saltgrass Lane and New Lane in Keyhaven, and Marine Drive in Barton

Residents at two coastal spots where controversial parking charges are planned can from today have their say on the proposals.

As reported in the A&T, the charges are proposed along Saltgrass Lane and New Lane in Keyhaven, as well as Marine Drive East and Marine Drive West in Barton.

Parking at both sites is currently unrestricted, attracting regular complaints from residents during summer when mobile homes and campervans can be seen lining the roads.

Under the plans, on-street parking would be chargeable between 10am and 6pm, with a ban on overnight parking by campervans and mobile homes enforced between 8pm and 8am.

A number of spaces close to the Barton Court Avenue junction and outside seafront shops would remain free for a maximum one hour stay between 9am and 7pm.

Hampshire County Council has from today (Friday) officially launched public consultations on the schemes, which run until 15th March.

In 2020 Milford parish councillors reported they were receiving a barrage of daily complaints about wild campers living for “weeks at a time” in vans parked at the coastal site.

The situation was partially blamed on the controversial closure of New Forest campsites during the first few months of the pandemic.

Residents in Marine Drive East and Marine Drive West have also regularly complained to Hampshire County Council about significant numbers of mobile homes and campervans parking overnight.

County councillor for Milford and Keyhaven, Cllr Fran Carpenter, has she is “contacted frequently” about campervan parking at a Keyhaven,“with a range of opinions expressed”.

And county councillor for Barton, Mel Kendal, said he was “totally against” parking meters on Barton seafront, adding: “All that is needed is a simple restriction on overnight parking to deter campers.”

Representations on the scheme must be made in writing and can be sent to The Castle, Winchester, or submitted online by emailing public.notices@hants.gov.uk