Key things to know about Southampton's new 'Park and Travel Hub'

We take a look at the key questions being asked.

What is the hub?

Well, the ‘travel hub’ plans were announced earlier today by Southampton City Council.

It will be a place where residents will be able to park their vehicles and access other travel options such as e-scooters, cycles, cargo bikes and public transport, before travelling further into the city.

It is not yet known if the non-public forms of transport will be available to rent from the hub.

Where will it be based?

The council has chosen Lances Hill Car Park in Bitterne as the base for the hub.

This means the already-used car park will be transformed for its new use.

The council says Lances Hill Car Park provides "a convenient location for the proposed hub".

I've heard it's only a trial?

Yes, that's correct.

The move will be part of a six-month trial expected to start later this year, although an actual date has yet to be confirmed.

How is this different to a Park and Ride?

Well, good question.

A Park and Ride is just that: You park your vehicle, then ride the bus into the city. It's a way of keeping more cars out of the city centre, with incentives like cheaper parking and easier access in and out of Southampton, without being stuck in traffic.

However, as we understand it, this new Hub will not just have buses on offer, but also e-scooters and bikes, making it more than just your standard Park and Ride.

And wasn't there another Park and Ride plan unveiled recently?

Yes, that is true, but this was across the River Itchen and on the other side of the city!

Announced at the start of the year, the service would link the western area of Southampton to the city centre as part of a deal with the NHS to base it at a new health campus that will be built at Bargain Farm in Nursling.

The site, which will be situated next to Lidl’s new store on Brownhill Way, will be run by University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, and include 1,000 car park spaces.

It is expected to open next summer.

You can read the full details on that here.

What has been said?

Cllr Steve Leggett, cabinet member for green city and place, said: "We are pleased to say the trial of the Park and Travel Hub will go ahead later this year and will use the existing bus stops in the area.

"We will keep this decision under review once the Park and Travel Hub gets underway and are committed to working closely with local residents and key stakeholders.”

Local residents said they are not against the idea of a park and travel hub but they think Lances Hill Car Park is not the right location.

You can read more about the scheme here.