The number of cars using the controversial Portswood Broadway bus gate has dropped in the first few days of the scheme, new data has revealed.
Between January 27 and 31, around 45 per cent fewer cars used the road in each direction while the bus gate was active between 7am and 10am, compared with the same period in 2024.
When the bus gate was active in the afternoon, between 4pm and 7pm, 37 per cent fewer cars used the road southbound and 42 per cent fewer northbound.
It comes after the council implemented the scheme in January on Portswood Road in a bid to cut down on traffic and encourage people to use public transport.
This period covers the first few days of the scheme, when it was not being enforced. Since February 10, motorists face £70 fines for ignoring the traffic restriction which only allows buses, taxis and cyclists to use the road during certain times.
The statistics further show that on average 27 per cent more cyclists were using Portswood Broadway during peak hours.
READ MORE: Southampton people hope fines will put drivers off at Portswood
There was also a 20 per cent increase in the number of pedestrians using the road during the specified period, with the number of motorists almost halved.
In a statement, Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “We have a robust plan for the monitoring and evaluation of the Portswood Project trial and would encourage local people to keep talking with us.
“Your feedback will help highlight areas that need closer scrutiny such as at Brookvale Road and will enable us to assess issues and make adjustments to balance the interests of individual areas and roads.”
The council’s Portswood Project aims to deliver improvements to the key travel corridor that supports the delivery of the ‘Local Transport Plan: Connected Southampton 2040,’ and the goals of the Southampton Citizens Climate Assembly.
It’s hoped the Portswood Project will reduce the amount of traffic in the area, improve facilities for cycling and walking, as well as contribute to a greener environment and improve air quality in the city.
