RESIDENTS living at Port Marine in Portishead fear more parking misery after it was confirmed a waterside car park could be restricted to boat owners and marina users only.

The marina, which is celebrating 10 years this year, is a popular spot with members of the community and with tourists.

The car park, close to the lock gates on the east side of the water, is regularly used by the stream of visitors to the area. It forms part of the marina estate for which Portishead Quays Marina holds a long lease.

The organisation is currently undertaking a study of the car park to decide whether its use needs to be restricted.

Quays Marina managing director Simon Haigh said: “This is a private car park for berth holders and marina users, however we have allowed members of the general public to use it. As the number of marina users increases, we need to monitor whether or not restricted use is necessary, as we need to ensure that parking is available for our users.”

Proposals to paint double yellow lines in Harbour Road, at the Waitrose junction close to the marina, have also fuelled concerns about the likelihood of more on-street parking causing havoc at Port Marine. However, Councillor Reyna Knight, whose ward includes Port Marine, says there are alternatives to on-street parking.

She said: “Many of the office blocks adjacent to the marina were built on the condition that, outside office hours, their car parks could be used for public parking. The signs detailing this are very small and drivers do not seem aware of the facility.”

Cllr Knight says she will be trying to highlight which car parks are available for public parking and will also be closely following any changes put in place at the Quays Marina car park.