Car park

Whilst it is true that the new car park that recently opened in Newfoundland Way is empty most of the time ('Steering clear of new car park', Portishead Times 31st October 2007), I do not think that lack of signposts are to blame. What the article and photograph fail to indicate is that many cars still park on the wasteland adjacent to the car park despite being fully aware that the car park is there. The reason for this can only be sheer laziness; these cars are probably owned by boat-owners who want to park as close to their vessels as possible. Likewise, the reason for the chronic parking situation on the opposite side of the marina in Port Marine is not the shortage of parking spaces. If you look in the undercroft parking or in the parking spaces behind many of the residences you will find empty spaces whilst the main roads are clogged with cars parked on pavements, paved pedestrian areas, blind corners and grass verges. Again, this is down to the laziness and selfishness of many of the residents who much prefer to park right outside their front doors (with no consideration for the congestion they are causing) rather than walking a few extra paces from their allocated parking spaces. As for residents with garages, many would much rather use them for storage than park their cars in them! It really is a nightmare driving through Port Marine sometimes. I only have a small car so I dread to think what would happen if a fire-engine or ambulance should need to attend to an emergency, not to mention the difficulties that people pushing prams or wheelchair-users must encounter.The parking situation will only improve when a) the council finally adopts the roads and establishes some parking restrictions and b) car-owners start showing some consideration for their fellow residents and park in their allocated garages/parking spaces rather than wherever is most convenient for them. Kevin Vodden - Eastcliff, Portishead