Portswood Broadway scheme to come into effect in 2025
The controversial plans would see cars banned from the road at peak times
A controversial road scheme which could see a key route in Southampton closed to cars at peak times is set to come into effect early next year.
A bus gate would be put in place on Portswood Broadway between 7am and 10am and from 4pm to 7pm between Mondays and Saturdays under the plans.
That would restrict the section between Westridge Road and the St Denys Road spur to buses, taxis and bikes between those times.
Southampton City Council has launched a consultation on the plans, which would run on a trial period of at least six months while its impact is assessed.
Bosses have said that the scheme would help to make the area more accessible and attractive, encouraging people to spend more time and money there.
However, the plans, first announced four years ago, have also proved contentious, with protests being held in Portswood and a petition opposing the plans gathering around 3,000 signatures.
Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Southampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
"We appreciate that there are strong feelings within the Portswood community both for and against the proposals which is why we are progressing with this trial which will provide more evidence to inform future decisions.
"I would like to thank all the people who have engaged with us on the proposals so far for their commitment to making Portswood the best place it can be and encourage anyone yet to do so to join in and let your voice be heard.
"We will continue to work with residents’ associations, retailers, traders and other representatives of the community to monitor the implementation, progress and outcomes of the trial."
The council has also pledged to make a number of other improvements to the area, including:
- New, larger bus shelters.
- Two new parklets; offering seating, planting and cycle parking.
- Contraflow cycle lane on St Denys Road spur.
- 20-mph limit for the surrounding area.
- New buildouts with cycle bypasses on Brookvale Road and Belmont Road.
- Traffic filter on Russell Place at its junction with Abbotts Way.
Andrew Wickham, Bluestar and Unilink managing director, said:
“The introduction of this priority scheme will allow our vehicles to traverse Portswood Road at peak times, ahead of private cars - ensuring our services are more frequent and reliable here.
"Currently 21 buses from Bluestar and Unilink - our partnership with the University of Southampton - run along Portswood Road per hour, so this is a key part of our network.
"The Portswood Project will not only improve the experience of passengers travelling by bus along this route, it will also contribute to a cleaner environment across the area."
The consultation runs to November 15th.
Feedback can be submitted online, at Portswood Library, or in writing to the Highways Legal Team at Southampton City Council, Civic Centre, SO14 7LY.