Bristol's latest residents parking zone causes upset

Business owners who are about to become part of Bristol's latest controversial residents' parking zone have told ITV News they're being unfairly treated. They claim the original plans to charge motorists on weekdays have been extended to include Saturdays - the busiest day of the week for most traders.

After expanding his fishmonger's business into the south of Bristol Dan Stern might have thought his biggest challenge would be attracting new customers. But he's beginning to fear it's more their ability to find somewhere to park.

Outside his shop and all around Southville, new parking meters are springing up ready for action later this month. Taking money six days a week including Saturdays, rather than the five working days, many independent business owners here say they were led to believe.

It's the latest argument against a traffic policy that's divided a city. In St Pauls they blocked their street to temporarily keep the parking bays and meters out. In Montpelier thousands of pounds of damage was caused when machines were wrecked by expanding foam. Tanks on the lawn were even deployed in Clifton and in Bedminster cars were wrongly removed by council workmen.

This time it's on Mayor George Ferguson's doorstep. His Tobacco Factory business and home falls into the 10th of the 12 planned phases of residents' parking zones. And some of his neighbours aren't happy, claiming consultation was next to non-existent and even seeking redress for any loss of earnings.

Bristol City Council say businesses were consulted and there will be a review after six months.

Of course, not all are unhappy. Residents will be getting their streets back from commuters but restrictions here will only run Monday to Friday. And it's that difference of durations that's so upset small businesses here worried parking restrictions might limit their chances of staying afloat.