New measures are being put on the table to tackle rat running in a residential area of Southampton less than a year after a trial scheme caused traffic chaos.
Residents are being asked to consider options to address longstanding issues with traffic in the Highfield area.
The city council is looking to use money leftover from last year’s scrapped Portswood Broadway bus gate scheme to improve road safety.
Options include a modal filter to close off Brookvale Road as a through route for motor vehicles, buildouts where the kerb is extended out to narrow the width of the road, long speed humps across the road, and shorter speed bumps in the centre of each side of the road.
The local authority said any proposed scheme will require wider community support before proceeding.
Lettes have been sent out to residents inviting them to share their views through a survey.
Cllr Alex Winning, leader of Southampton City Council, said: “We are aware of the travel concerns currently being raised in the Brookvale Road area, and we are keen to engage with local people to get their views on possible solutions.”
Last year, the council implemented a bus-only section in Portswood Broadway alongside the roll out of active travel zone measures in nearby residential roads using money from the Transforming Cities Fund.
The six-month trial, which included buildouts, modal filters and 20mph speed limits, was halted just after the halfway mark.
The controversial scheme was axed after a review of interim traffic count data, which showed increases in traffic on Brookvale Road, Belmont Road and Winn Road.
There are no plans to re-introduce the Portswood Broadway bus gate, the council has confirmed.
Cllr Winning added: “We are confident that by working together and listening to the views expressed in this survey, we can bring about positive improvements that will slow down traffic and make the area safer for everyone.
“This is an important opportunity for local people to influence how Brookvale Road and neighbouring streets can become calmer and safer.”
A scheme for Brookvale Road and surrounding roads is one of several upcoming projects aimed at improving road safety in the area.
Other work includes a safer routes to school programme for Highfield Church of England school, expanding the 20mph speed limit across Portswood and increased funding for road repairs.
A separate project focused on developing community-led improvements to enhance Portswood district centre will be starting later in the year.
