A business owner has slammed Southampton City Council for putting double yellow lines outside his office, saying it will make the situation worse.

Mark Newland, owner of Abraham Associates, has criticised the council for restricting parking on on Guildford Street.

He says it means customers and suppliers will not be able to park outside his warehouse.

Cars currently park along both of the roadsCars currently park along both of the roads (Image: Matt Davey)

But the council has said that the plans to implement parking restrictions were approved based on a consultation.

Mark told the Echo that Guildford Street, near St Mary's stadium, does have a parking problem, especially on matchdays.

But he said that painting double yellow lines along the whole road, especially outside his office and on the dropped kerb, was excessive.

The 62-year-old said: “It looks like the council are going to solve one problem and create another."

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Southampton City Council issued a notice in December 2023, stating a ‘No Waiting at Any Time restrictions’ would be introduced to Guildford Street – as well as neighbouring Wilson Street – preventing cars from parking there.

After the owner of the engineering design company objected to the council’s plans, he was informed that no objections received were deemed to override the benefits of the proposal, with the order in operation from Monday.

The council will now paint double yellow lines on the road.

“I can’t park outside at risk of getting fined,” said Mark.

“Fortunately, there is a small car park for staff at the back of the building and I’ll be able to park there but it will make life a lot harder for visitors, many of which need to be close by when unloading materials.”

He added: “Parking down here has been a problem for years, particularly when there is an event on at St Mary’s Stadium, but it will certainly cause problems for businesses if it limits access immediately outside their premises.”

A spokesperson for Southampton City Council said: “In December 2023, the council consulted on parking restrictions in the area due to concerns with the significant level of obstructive parking taking place.

"Having reviewed all responses received to the consultation process, the council decided to proceed with the proposals to place double yellow lines on the streets as advertised.

"As is the case on all double yellow lines, drivers will still be able to load and unload in this location.”