By Jason Lewis, Local Democracy Reporter
Southampton City Council says “negotiations are under way” to reintroduce free car parking in Bitterne despite its own May deadline to resolve the issue.
Article continues after this message...
Traders in Bitterne criticised SCC’s decision to axe the free parking period last year.
In February, Labour council leaders said the change would be reversed within three months.
While this deadline came and went, a senior councillor has now provided an update.
Jacqui Rayment, councillor responsible for transport, pictured left, told a full council meeting: “I am delighted to say that it now looks like we will be able to deliver our manifesto commitment to offer 90 minutes free parking in one of the Bitterne car parks.
“Negotiations are under way so I am not able to give you chapter and verse on what will happen here and you wouldn’t want to scupper negotiations with false information abounding from today.”
Cllr Rayment said there had been a “stumbling block” which had now been resolved and the plans were moving forward at pace.
She added: “I’m delighted that I’ve been able to pull this back on track and it’s something we made a manifesto commitment and we are now about to deliver.
“I assure all members of the chamber that as soon as we have details that I can share, once that contract is finally signed, I will make sure all members are well versed in it.
“Anyone who has been on the administration of the council knows how delicate some of these negotiations are.”
Last month, traders in Bitterne voiced their frustration and disappointment to the Local Democracy Reporting Service over the situation.
Businesses said Labour leaders had promised free parking would be reintroduced but they were yet to receive any concrete information.
Peartree Gardens car park near Sainsbury's in Bitterne. Photo: LDRS
At the council meeting on July 15, Cllr Rayment did not provide a timeline for when free parking would start, which car park it would relate to and who the council was negotiating with.
Simon Letts, Labour councillor for finance, previously spoke about leasing a car park to Sainsbury’s, who could in turn provide a free period for traders and visitors.
Free district centre parking in Bitterne, Portswood, Shirley and Woolston was removed last year and replaced with tariffs of 50p for an hour and £1 for two hours.
Bevois ward councillor Jacqui Rayment photo: Southampton Labour
This article is from the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Some alterations/additions may have been made by our site - a BBC Local News Partnerships member. BBC-funded LDRS journalists cover local authorities and public service organisations, with content shared by all partners.