Thousands flouting Southampton city centre road closure
Car drivers will face fines when enforcement cameras go live
Last updated 16th Feb 2024
Thousands of motorists ignoring a road closure in Southampton city centre will soon be fined.
A section of Portland Terrace was closed to cars in November, but drivers are still going through it.
Only buses, taxis and bikes can use the restricted zone.
Enforcement cameras will go live on 26 February.
The closure is ahead of the construction of a bus hub and park, which will officially open in the autumn.
Since the introduction of the restriction the number of vehicles using Portland Terrace is down from 10,000 per day to 2,000 a day.
People who drive through the restriction will receive a warning and on their second contravention they will be given a fine of up to £70.
Transport boss, councillor Eamonn Keogh, said: "The redevelopment of Albion Place and Castle Way car parks will create a new bus hub and the first public green space within the Old Town for almost 60 years.
"We need to support a better bus provision for both residents and visitors, as well as a choice of transport options, so that journeys will become easier for all road users. "
Richard Tyldsley, general manager of Bluestar buses said: "It is disappointing that some other vehicle drivers are ignoring the signs and are continuing to use this stretch of the road.
"Reducing the number of cars within this part of the city centre has the potential to have a significant impact on bus journey times and improve timetable reliability."