Traffic regulation orders for the council’s ‘Portswood Project,’ which includes a peak-hours bus gate limiting general traffic on Portswood Road from early 2025, are now open for public comment.
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A trial will introduce bus, taxi, and cycle-only access from Westridge Road to the St Denys Road spur from 7-10am and 4-7pm, Monday to Saturday, for at least six months.
There will also be Active Travel Zones with 20 mph speed limits set up on some neighbouring roads.
The council says the scheme aims to revitalise Portswood District Centre, making it more accessible and appealing while improving air quality, road safety, and transport options for pedestrians and cyclists.
As previously reported, critics have often talked about a “permanent closure of Portswood Broadway to through cars” and said that it will cause “traffic chaos” and “kill” trade in the area.
Others fear that the original plans could now have been watered down, making it harder to achieve the intended benefits.
Andrew Wickham, Bluestar and Unilink managing director, said the scheme would let buses traverse Portswood Road at peak times ahead of private cars ensuring services are more frequent and reliable.
“Currently 21 buses from Bluestar and Unilink ... run along Portswood Road per hour, so this is a key part of our network,” he said.
“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.”
Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, acknowledged “strong feelings” for and against the proposals, and said that is why the council is progressing with the trial, so its results can be assessed.
He added: “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.”
• Traffic Regulation Orders and other notices can be viewed and commented upon online. The consultation runs until November 15.