Portswood Broadway plans set to go ahead as six-month trial

Portswood Broadway could be partly pedestrianised for six months following months of talks and public consultations.

But following feedback from residents and backlash from motorists, the city council has tweaked its proposals so restrictions would only be part-time.

The latest plans would see the road turn into a bus, taxi, and cycle only zone from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 7pm.

Outside of those times, all vehicles will have access.

And following extensive feedback and concerns, the council has proposed to reduce the bus gate, starting from Westridge Road to St Denys Road spur (near Trago Lounge).

According to Southampton City Council, the scheme will be introduced as a trial to "assess the impact of limiting through traffic in the area".

The trial will be in place for winter 2024/25.

READ MORE: Decision day set for Portswood Broadway plan

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for transport, said: “I would like to thank residents and businesses for engaging in the phase two consultation.

“We have ensured that our residents remain at the very heart of the plan, we have listened to their concerns and amended the original plans based on their feedback.”

The city council’s cabinet will either sign off and begin the project - or decide to scrap it - on January 16.

The consultation received 1,371 submissions, with 60 per cent of respondents saying the plans will "make Portswood a more attractive area", the council says.

To do so, the council will be working with residents in Portswood and Highfield through the creation of a co-design panel.

This will help develop a plan to address concerns regarding traffic levels, safety, and air quality in the area.

The group will be formed by members of resident associations, retailers, traders, representatives from lobby groups, and residents.

The Portswood web page transport.southampton.gov.uk/portswood will be updated with the latest information, including information about the co-design sessions.