A controversial decision to close a busy road to motorists will come into force at the start of next year.

Portswood Broadway will only be open to buses, taxis and cyclists from early 2025.

This will mark the beginning of the six-month trial which was announced by Southampton City Council this year.

During the trial, the road, from Westridge Road to the St Denys Road spur, will be shut to cars and only open to bus/taxi/cycles on Monday to Saturday from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm.

It is hoped it will improve bus reliability and journey times, and the availability of different transport modes in the city.

Active Travel Zones will also be introduced on neighbouring streets for at least six months.

Councillor Eamonn Keogh, cabinet member for transport, said: “We appreciate that there are strong feelings within the Portswood community both for and against the proposals which is why we are progressing with this trial which will provide more evidence to inform future decisions.

“I would like to thank all the people who have engaged with us on the proposals so far for their commitment to making Portswood the best place it can be and encourage anyone yet to do so to join in and let your voice be heard.”

READ MORE: Ambitious plans to replace shopping centre with 500 student flats unveiled

Additional improvements will also be made to the road, according to the council.

These include new, larger bus shelters, and two new parklets (small, semi-permanent public spaces installed in parking bays) offering seating and cycle parking.

A 20mph speed limit will be introduced in the area, and a contraflow cycle lane will be installed in St Denys Road.

A traffic filter will be installed in Russell Place at the junction with Abbotts Way, and there will be cycle bypasses in Brookvale Road and Belmont Road.

An independent consultant has been appointed to undertake the project monitoring.

Andrew Wickham, Bluestar and Unilink managing director, said: “The introduction of this priority scheme will allow our vehicles to traverse Portswood Road at peak times, ahead of private cars - ensuring our services are more frequent and reliable here.

“Currently 21 buses from Bluestar and Unilink run along Portswood Road per hour, so this is a key part of our network.

“This will not only improve the experience of passengers travelling by bus along this route, it will also contribute to a cleaner environment across the area.”

As part of this process, the council is consulting on Traffic Regulation Orders and other regulatory notices which can be viewed online at transport.southampton.gov.uk/tro-consultations.

Hard copies are available in Portswood Library, October Books or Gateway in the Civic Centre.

The consultation will be open from Friday, October 25 to Friday, November 15.

Feedback can be submitted online, at Portswood Library, or in writing to the Highways Legal Team at Southampton City Council, Civic Centre.