Parking permit rules could be imposed on thousands of drivers as they blast 'stupid idea'

More than 14,000 households in the Ham, Devonport, and Stoke wards have been asked to participate in a survey to address parking challenges in residential streets.

The survey comes after numerous years of complaints from residents who struggle to park near their homes due to dockyard workers occupying street parking spaces.

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The survey, which began on September 23 and will run until October 25, aims to gauge the extent of the problem and gather opinions on possible solutions which could include the introduction of a parking permit.

Residents in the affected areas will receive letters with instructions on how to access the online survey. Each household can submit one response using a unique code provided in the letter.

For those without internet access, the council stated alternative options will be made available including a paper copy of the survey or the completion of it over the phone.

A Plymouth City Council spokesperson said: "We want to hear as many views as possible before deciding the best way of addressing the issue."

The council added: "We know there is an increase in parking challenges linked to commuter parking in residential streets, for example near the dockyard.

"The survey is the first stage in understanding the issues and challenges and seeking views from residents about potential solutions, such as permit parking."

The council explained it hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the parking situation and its impact on residents.

The introduction of a parking permit scheme is one of the options being considered, although the council said that no decisions have been made yet.

But many residents have already shared their dislike over the potential parking measures with one person claiming: "So because the dockyard haven't got enough parking for their employees, we have to fork out £45 a year to park where we live, great idea!"

Someone else said: "Stupid idea, the cost of permits will continue to increase over the years no doubt and for what?

"I probably still won’t be able to park outside my house or even the street because the council are likely to over sell permits but then I'll have to pay for the privilege too when I moved here, I knew on-street parking outside my house would be difficult at times."

However, another concerned resident stated that the situation is “more complicated” than what people think.

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Posting on Facebook, they said: "This is quite complicated. Things have changed. Area's have been rebuilt; permit parking due to extra vehicles. It was one vehicle, now perhaps one for the husband, one for the wife and two for the kids.

"With all due respect, cars weren't the priority back then. Things have to change. And not everyone will be happy. With all the change you'll never make everyone happy."