SOUTHAMPTON MPs have voiced their views over a multi-million pound transport plan set to transform the city.

Alan Whitehead, MP for Southampton Test, has welcomed proposals to close a number of roads to through traffic and create new transport hubs.

But Royston Smith, MP for Southampton Itchen, has raised concerns over the plan and the impact it would have on traffic.

It comes as Southampton City Council is planning to invest £18.5m on several schemes which see parts of New Road and Portland Terrace closed to through traffic.

A new bus hub is also planned for Albion Place car park while a transport interchange is  instead planned for the south side of Southampton Central Station.

Dr Whitehead said the proposals look like they will make the city centre a much more pleasant place.

He added: “Even before the pandemic we were seeing a change in the way people use our city centres, we know that people are viewing them more as a leisure destination rather than just a place to shop.

"These proposals look like they will make the city centre a much more pleasant place for people to spend time by improving air quality and the public realm.

"In particular I welcome the plans for a bus hub and the improvements at Central Station, this will give people much better options for public transport to and from the city.”

But Mr Smith said the plans represent an “assault on motorist and city centre businesses”.

He said: “The council’s bizarre solution for the Southampton’s traffic problems is to close more roads, further clogging up our city, without putting adequate viable alternative transport options in place. 

"These proposals threaten to make businesses suffer further still, preventing recovery and ensuring even more jobs are lost.”

In response, Councillor Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said: "Our city centre programme includes a £4.5m investment in the Northern Inner Ring Road, to make sure the route is able to perform its strategic function in moving traffic efficiently around the city – rather than directly through it.

"This will have a direct benefit for people driving, enabling better traffic flows and more reliable journeys while also allowing us to reclaim space in the very heart of the city for people.

"It is widely shown that people walking and cycling spend considerably more time and money in local shops and businesses.

"Businesses therefore have much to gain from our investment in better, more accessible and enjoyable spaces for people moving through our city – particularly now, with economic recovery so high on the national agenda."

As reported, a public consultation will begin in March.