A FIVE-year campaign to secure parking restrictions in the Amery Street area of Alton looks set to become a reality.

Despite sparking opposition from some whose properties have no off-street parking facilities, the belief is that residentsÕ parking permits and a reduction in the cost of car park season tickets could be key in helping to resolve the issue.

The campaign, initiated by local people and championed by the Amery Hill ResidentsÕ Association, has been given stark credence on three occasions recently when parked cars have blocked the passage of an emergency ambulance trying to secure access to Tanhouse Lane.

From day one the initiative has been supported by former Alton county councillor Tony Barron, and has since been taken on board by his successor, Dr Tony Ludlow, who called a meeting of residents on Monday to discuss Hampshire County Council proposals for the area.

According to Dr Ludlow, while there were no objections at the meeting to proposals for Steeple Drive, there was criticism over the plan to allow overnight parking (6 pm - 9 am) on the section of Amery Hill above Steeple Drive.

ÒA better proposal seemed to be to allow overnight parking on the church side of Amery Hill from Steeple Drive, where the road is wide enough, opposite the vetÕs surgery,Ó said Dr Ludlow

He has concerns also about the use of the small lay-by just below the church to provide two overnight parking spaces which it was felt should be reduce to one to enable emergency vehicles coming up the hill to pass with ease.

Dr Ludlow is to consult with fire officers to see if they have any objections to these suggestions.

Residents were divided, however, over proposals to restrict parking in Tanhouse Lane.

Supporters argued that parked cars had made access difficult for ambulances, that there was very little pavement and where the road is wide enough for parking it is because at least half the width is privately owned.

The main problem occurs during the day when staff from local businesses use the lane to avoid parking fees.

Opponents felt that they were being deprived of free parking opportunities and would have to pay £400 a year for a season ticket. Unaccompanied women felt uncomfortable walking from the car park into Tanhouse Lane at night, and it was believed that local business parking could be addressed by discussions with those concerned.

Dr Ludlow believes the only way forward is to impose restrictions.

He points out that when the lane is blocked by parked cars it makes it impossible to use East Hampshire District Council-owned parking spaces at the end of the lane, at the entrance to Flood Meadows.

Restricting parking along the lane would, he believes, unblock it and give free access to the spaces at the end, which EHDC might be persuaded to extend.

It was also hoped to persuade EHDC to reduce the cost of season tickets for local residents and to consider an amnesty between 8 and 9 am in the morning to enable residents to park for free overnight.

Dr Ludlow further points out that the consultation proposes double yellow lines in Amery Street from Market Street down to the bottom of Amery Hill, which currently benefits from single lines.

ÒMy view is that this is daft. The traffic speed is reduced by speed tables and cars parked on this stretch have a further calming effect,Ó he said.

Commenting after the meeting, a spokesman for Amery Hill ResidentsÕ Association told The Herald that while it was accepted that some residents, who were desperate for parking, were opposed to the plans, the majority were in favour of a yellow lines system in the Amery Hill and Tanhouse Lane due to the sheer weight of traffic in a composite cul de sac.

There was a desperate need to improve safety and access in the area which was regularly used by children, mothers with prams, and disabled people with buggies. At present dust carts were unable to access the roads properly and there was a constant fear that ambulances and fire engines may be prevented from attending an emergency.

Amery Hill is among a number of areas in Alton to be put forward for consideration under Hampshire County CouncilÕs Residents Parking Scheme.

Alton Town Council is currently compiling the list which also includes Rack Close Road, Westbrook Road, Vine Close off Greenfields Avenue and Nursery Road.Anyone with any other suggestions should let Alton Town Council know.