RESIDENTS and business are being asked if they want to see a trial opening of a bus-only route in Whiteley.

It would see all traffic able to use a bus gate, which links Yew Tree Drive and Botley Road.

Currently, the route is blocked off with bollards that only lower for buses. But highways bosses are now asking people in Whiteley, Burridge, Swanwick, Park Gate and Curbridge if a six-month trial opening from June to November should go ahead.

Fareham Borough Council leader Cllr Sean Woodward said: “The reason I have asked for this consultation to be carried out is because the Fareham local plan is currently being reviewed.

“It contains a policy prohibiting links for general traffic between Botley Road and Whiteley until Whiteley Way is complete. That policy was written at a time when it was expected that the completion of Whiteley Way was near. Sadly that completion did not happen and could still be a number of years away.”

The deadline for replies is February 10. Log on to hants.gov.uk/ whiteley to take part.