http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/14968994.Winchester_civic_chiefs_criticised_for_stance_over_parking_and_pollution/

http://www.hampshirechronicle.co.uk/news/14968976.Green_campaigners_march_through_Winchester_to_highlight_air_pollution/

THE debate over the impact of cars in Winchester has been a political hot potato for at least 50 years.

At first the city was expected to adapt to the car. But in the 1970s that attitude started to change and major road widening schemes such as North Walls and Eastgate Street were dropped.

In the 1990s the wheel turned further and we saw policies to restrict unfettered access, and also the development of park and ride.

Now Cllr James Byrnes, portfolio holder for traffic, is proposing to create more parking in the city centre, a partial turning back the clock.

His new stance sparked the demonstration on Sunday reported on page 4. More than 100 people highlighted the council failure to hit its targets in an air quality management plan. Technically the council could be prosecuted for this.

Exactly how the council can pursue two seemingly contradictory policies at the same time has not been explained. It should be.

The fact is that the days when motorists were the primary consideration should be long gone. Winchester Business Improvement District (BID) has been lobbying for more parking, saying businesses have been affected by the lack of parking.

Before this assertion is taken seriously there should be proper research into whether it is true and not just anecdotal complaints.