SOUTHAMPTON MPs have voiced mixed views on a controversial transport plan.

Southampton Test MP Alan Whitehead backed Southampton City Council’s Green Transport Recovery Plan but Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith said the changes to the highway are “ridiculous”.

Meanwhile, Caroline Nokes, MP for Romsey and Southampton North, stressed the importance of consulting the public.

The news comes as the £4.1m plan approved by cabinet on July 14 has been called back in and will be scrutinised on July 28.

It follows concerns over its impact on the economic recovery and claims that the public was not consulted enough.

Civic chiefs said consultations are ongoing and the plan is aimed at keeping people safe, supporting the economy, and encouraging walking and cycling.

Caroline Nokes MP said it is important that the council consults local residents and takes their views “seriously” when considering changes.

“It is far better to make changes with people’s consent than ignoring their views,” she said. 

Alan Whitehead MP praised the work done by the council. He said: “There has been a lot of comment around the pop-up cycle lanes but this plan is more than that. I am particularly looking forward to what comes out of the low traffic neighbourhood plans.”

But Royston Smith MP raised concerns. He said: “These ridiculous highway changes will ensure Southampton’s economy never recovers. The Labour council has cut the city’s main arterial route capacity in half. What do they think will happen? Will cruise passengers arrive on cycles? Will the port move the huge containers in and out of the docks using only pedal power? It’s madness. We all want a green recovery but if Labour have their way there will be no recovery at all and thousands of Southampton residents will lose their jobs.”

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city, said: “We understand that these are very bold and ambitious steps, but these are exceptional times and we have to put people’s safety first. We have acted in the best interest of our city and our residents and entirely refute any suggestion that this has been an undemocratic process. We have implemented these measures using a combination of experimental and temporary traffic regulation orders, which allow us to make changes on a temporary basis in order to assess their impact and effectiveness before a decision is taken on whether or not they are made permanent. The changes will bring a welcome boost to our city centre businesses. The economic benefits of walking and cycling are widely recognised. We firmly believe these measures will make a crucial contribution to our economic recovery and contribute to a more attractive, pleasant and inviting city where people want to spend time and invest in our local businesses.”

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