Portswood Broadway: Residents back closure of road to cars

Despite plenty of opposition, some Southampton residents stand firm in their belief that the potential closure will benefit the area.

As previously reported, the council wants to cut off access for all - bar pedestrians, buses, and taxis.

If approved the high street between Westridge Road and Highfield Lane would be closed to private vehicles to make the district centre a more ‘vibrant’ and ‘greener’ place.

'Portswood come to life'

The plans have faced backlash with hundreds signing a petition against the proposals.

However, some residents think the closing of the Broadway will benefit the area.

Portswood (Image: Andrew Hampshire)

Chris Zardis, founder of Shop Local Southampton, described it as a “well-considered” scheme.

The 36-year-old said: “By moving through traffic onto much more suitable roads, Portswood high street will be enhanced as a local hub for people to walk, cycle, bus, or drive into and to enjoy spending time in.

READ MORE: Hundreds sign petition against closing Portswood Broadway to cars

“Pedestrian dwell time on the street is expected to rise, and the more time people spend in an area the more likely they are to make use of the local businesses.

“This well-considered scheme that will make Portswood a much more pleasant, safer, and greener (physically and metaphorically) environment.

Chris Zardis (Image: Chris Zardis)

“The government has given us money for this scheme and this scheme alone - if we don't go through with it, we lose the money and there's no option to spend it on something else.

“If you're popping into Portswood for a few things, this scheme might improve that experience enough for you to leave the car at home.

“For big family shops, the car is still an option. It's win-win and I'm excited to see Portswood come to life.”

'Great idea'

For Blenheim Avenue resident Vijay Chopra, the scheme will offer him more “freedom and mobility.”

The 39-year-old father said: “As a resident local to the scheme who is unable to drive due to disability, I think the bus gate is a great idea.

Vijay Chopra (Image: Vijay Chopra)

“Buses are regularly stuck in solid traffic on the Broadway, causing delays around the whole bus system. The scheme will give me a whole lot more freedom and mobility.

“It's not like this scheme is a novel or new idea. This type of scheme has been done with great success in places as varied as Copenhagen and many Dutch cities.”

'Significant scheme'

If plans were to go ahead, construction would begin in the summer of 2023.

But according to Cllr Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for transport and district regeneration, consulting on the scheme will be extensive.

READ NEXT: Plans to improve district will disrupt thousands of journeys

He said: “This is a significant scheme for the Portswood area and the Broadway.

“It’s important we consult as extensively as possible.

“We need to make sure we are listening to residents – that is key.

“We are still evaluating the results of the first consultation, and we will need to do a consultation again, so we will make residents aware of when that will be.

“We want a scheme that has broad support. I welcome any petition that shows the general feelings of residents.”

A petition in support of the scheme can be found on the Southampton City Council website.

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