RESIDENTS in Hampshire are being urged to give their views on parking across part of the county.

The parking review ordered by civic chiefs in Winchester has proven highly controversial, with green campaigners battling to prevent an increase in central parking.

City centre traders, represented by the Business Improvement District, want more space to replace lost capacity in Chesil Street, Friarsgate and Upper Brook Street.

Environmental activists say the city council has had a policy that has restricted central parking for more than 20 years and any change would increase pollution that they say contributes to 40-50 deaths a year.

The strategy covers the period 2014-2018 and sets out Winchester City Council’s approach in Winchester and in the towns of Alresford, Bishop’s Waltham, Wickham, Whiteley and Denmead.

It focuses mainly on off-street public car parking and its principal aim is to provide a sufficient number of suitably located and managed car parking spaces to sustain the long-term economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Winchester town and district.

Parking charges have remained unchanged. A comprehensive review of park and ride has seen the introduction of a new ‘cleaner’ buses running more often at a daily fee unchanged since 2010.

An online survey is on the council website until August 30 at winchester.citizenspace.com.

Cllr James Byrnes, city council portfolio holder for local economy and parking, said: “I think there is a case for increasing short-term parking but there has to be a balance between businesses and local residents. I want to hear what people think.”

As a strategic document the parking strategy does not set out each and every decision or action that will affect car parking in the district but it does provide a framework for decision-making in the period 2014 to 2018.

“This is a mid-term review and we are looking to ensure that we are making progress on the delivery of the strategy. I would very much welcome the public’s views in helping us to review it,” added Cllr Byrnes.