Work to close part of a Southampton city centre road to motorists is due to start next week.
A section of Portland Terrace – between Spa Road and Castle Way Car Park – is set to become for buses, taxis and cyclists only.
The council says the work, funded by the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, will improve bus journey times to the new Albion Place bus hub, which is planned for construction early next year. It will also reduce journey times across the city by up to 10 minutes.
Along with bus passengers, closing the road to traffic will also benefit pedestrians and cyclists as it is expected to create a safer environment for all, the council says.
The work will start on October 16 and the changes will come into force from November 13.
READ MORE: Plans to turn city centre parking spaces into a new park and bus hub approved
Motorists will still have access to parking and services either through Civic Centre Road and Havelock Road or Town Quay.
The council will use CCTV to monitor driver behaviour once the scheme is live.
Warning notices will be issued before enforcement.
The council says residents were asked about the scheme in June, with 64 per cent of respondents to the Traffic Regulation Order being in favour.
Councillor Eamonn Keogh, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said: “We are listening to residents and in a recent survey 64 per cent said they support transforming this area.
“The council has a long-term vision for the city centre, which is set out in our Local Transport Plan.
“We want to create a better-connected transport network and to offer people more travel options, whether that is driving, taking the bus, cycling, scooting, or walking.
“When you consider a single full double-decker bus has the potential to take up to 75 cars off the road and that 17.4 million bus passenger journeys are made per year in Southampton, we need to support a better bus provision for both residents and visitors, as well as a choice of transport options, so that journeys will become easier for all road users.
“Portland Terrace, along with other Government funded schemes, will ensure that we meet these long-term objectives.”
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