Southampton cruise traffic: Review set to take place

The authority is working with Associated British Ports to review the events of May 12 to minimise the risk of it happening again. 

It comes as the leader of Southampton City Council has said it is "a shame" that there wasn't better communication after widespread traffic chaos linked to the city's port.

Cllr Satvir Kaur has called for better communication in future after what she described as "unprecedented levels of disruption" when Border Force carried out extra security checks last month.

Holidaymakers were seen leaving their cars and walking to the cruise terminal with their bags as queues backed up along roads including Mountbatten Way, Canute Road, Platform Road, Town Quay and West Quay Road.

The city council has since said that this was due to extra security checks at the port by Border Force, alongside rail strikes that same day. 

But the Home Office told the Echo it carried out "routine checks" on the day as normal to detect harmful goods and to safeguard the vulnerable or exploited people and that these were not the cause of the traffic. 

ABP tells the city council its annual cruise shipping movements, and holds bi-weekly meetings with the authority ahead of any busy days.

Extra planning meetings are held in the lead up to a busy day and there is constant traffic monitoring on the day.

Traffic light phasing is also changed "to keep a balance on the network for other commuters wishing to visit the city centre," a statement said.

READ MORE: Southampton: Holidaymakers seen walking through gridlocked traffic

Cllr Kaur, who appeared to criticise Border Force, said: "We of course want to minimise any detrimental impact this industry has, including on our highways.

"May 12 saw unprecedented levels of disruption, which partners, including the council, were told was related to Border Force being in operation at the port, which was made worse by national rail strikes on the day.

"Both are not within the council’s control, however, we have requested that as a council we need to be communicated with in advance, to help manage these situations, and it’s a shame this wasn’t the case in this incident.”

She added that the cruise industry is a "huge contributor" to the area's economy bringing over "four million people to Southampton every year". 

Queues in Southampton on May 12. (Image: Newsquest)

"As a council, we’re working closely with the port and partners to ensure the growing opportunities this brings, both in terms of tourism but also skills and jobs is maximised."

In the city council's Destination Management Plan published for 2021 onwards, it says it wants to recognise the value of tourism, and develop this sector sustainably.

An ABP spokesperson said: "Having worked with a range of stakeholders to carefully plan for operations on Friday, May 12 - in particular knowing the likely impact of the train strikes – we were disappointed to have experienced slower operations with disembarking guests from one vessel, causing a cross-over of disembarking and embarking guests. 

"We have followed up with a range of stakeholders to mitigate these circumstances. 

"Operations with four cruise ships are routine in the city and careful planning usually allows such days to pass without incident."