PLANS for a new ‘Park and Travel Hub’ in Southampton have been unveiled.

Lances Hill Car Park in Bitterne is set to be turned into the ‘travel hub’ where residents would be able to park their vehicles and access other travel options such as e-scooters, cycles, cargo bikes and public transport.

But some planned roadworks have been put on hold after residents feared the scheme would “create chaos”. 

The move will be part of a six-month trial expected to start later this year. 
But further details are yet to be revealed. 

As part of the scheme civic chiefs were also planning to create a new bus stop just opposite the car park.

Work was expected to begin on March 15 and was set to include new pedestrian crossing across Bitterne Road, a crossing island and the widening of the existing footway.

But while the park and ride trial will go ahead, work on the new bus stop has been halted.

It comes as Southampton City Council was previously approached by the Daily Echo as residents said they would stop the work if the council would not listen to their concerns.

The council said Lances Hill Car Park provides "a convenient location for the proposed hub".

But local residents feared it would increase traffic, pollution and anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said: “We understand there are concerns from local residents regarding the installation of a new bus stop on Bitterne Road, in preparation of a planned Park and Travel Hub at Lances Hill Car Park.

"We have been actively listening to and engaging with all of these concerns and I would like to thank local residents for taking the time to share these views with us. We have taken the decision not to proceed with the planned bus stop at this time, but are pleased to say the trial of the Park and Travel Hub will go ahead later this year and will use the existing bus stops in the area.

"We will keep this decision under review once the Park and Travel Hub gets underway and are committed to working closely with local residents and key stakeholders.”

Clare Hart, 42, a professor, from Bitterne, said: "This is a small victory because impending deadline was getting closer and closer and that was of concern. We expect to be consulted now. It should have never had to come down to us showing this publically. They should have thought things through. It was certainly disappointing."

The existing stops at the top of Bitterne Road (outbound) and at West End Road (inbound) will be used during the trial, according to the council.

Local residents said they are not against the idea of a park and travel hub but they think Lances Hill Car Park is not the right location.

Rebecca Tilley, 56, a shipping clerk, from Bitterne, said: "Normally a park and ride is in the suburbs. This is a residential area."

Southampton Itchen MP Royston Smith criticised the move.

Cllr Dan Fitzhenry, leader of the opposition, called for the whole city to be consulted.