The idea of operating a congestion charge in Portsmouth was raised again last year when City Council leaders revealed it was part of a long-term masterplan to tackle congested roads.
At tonight’s full council meeting (we’ll be reporting live – check back at 6pm), members will be asked to consider a motion by Wootton Bridge councillor, Daryll Pitcher (UKIP).
The motion
He’s calling on the council to do what they can to ensure residents, businesses and visitors of the Isle of Wight are exempted from congestion charge in the Portsmouth City area.
By Councillor Daryll Pitcher
There has been recent concern regarding the possible imposition of a congestion charge by Portsmouth City Council. Implementing such a charge universally throughout that council’s area would have a major impact on the Isle of Wight. In effect all traffic to and from the Wightlink terminals in the harbour and the Hovertravel terminal in Southsea would be subjected to this extra tax. This would have a very negative impact on our economy and particularly to the vehicular traffic that uses Gunwharf as its point of connection.Therefore:
This Council supports and endorses the Leader and Executives efforts to ensure the residents, businesses and visitors of the Isle of Wight are exempted from any imposition of a congestion charge in the Portsmouth City area.
“Won’t happen on my watch” says council leader
Despite the Portsmouth City Council masterplan being revealed last year, the current Portsmouth City Council leader, Cllr Donna Jones, made it clear a congestion charge system would not be brought in while she is in charge.
Back in October 2014, Cllr Jones told the Portsmouth News,
“Obviously, a congestion charge is one of the tools councils can consider when dealing with traffic problems. It may come up for discussion at some time in decades to come, but we have never said anything stronger than that.
“It is not being considered as a possibility now.”
Image: withassociates under CC BY 2.0
