Warnings sent to more than 1,000 drivers over bus gate

More than 1,000 drivers have been sent warning notices after contravening a city centre traffic restriction.

Southampton City Council said no Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) had yet been issued to drivers for driving through the restricted area for a second time.

A bus, taxi and cycle-only trial began on 25 January on a section of Portswood Road in Southampton to improve air quality.

The city's cabinet member for transport, councillor Eamon Keogh, said there had been "improvements" to congestion and pedestrian footfall in the area since the trial began.

The trial means only buses, taxis and cyclists are permitted to travel at certain hours between the junctions of St Denys Road spur and Westridge Road.

Camera enforcement of the measures began on 10 February and, so far, 1,192 warning notices have been issued, according to the council.

They confirmed there will be a period of "approximately two weeks" between a Warning Notice being activated and a PCN being issued.

On their second contravention, drivers will receive a PCN of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.

Speaking to BBC Radio Solent, councillor Eamon Keogh said the trial was having a positive effect.

"Bus journey times during [the restricted hours] are improving, and pedestrian footfall on the High Street has risen compared to... a year ago", he said.

"That's got to be good for businesses and for people who want to enjoy a safe, accessible and practical district centre."

Data released by the council via an independent report showed cycling and walking increased overall on Portswood Road and Thomas Lewis Way in January 2025 compared to January 2024.

It also showed traffic had largely reduced overall between the same period, with an an overall rise in traffic northbound on Thomas Lewis Way where traffic is being diverted.

Mr Keogh added the council had responded to concerns about congestion on nearby Brookvale Road by commissioning an "independent road safety audit" of active travel measures to begin on 24 February.

He added that he "recognised there were still concerns" from residents unhappy with the scheme.

"Whenever you introduce a scheme of this nature - and it is a trial - there will be concerns.

"I think there has been an improvement [in] drivers understanding the restrictions... on Brookvale Road."

He continued, "We are seeing continuous improvements, albeit there will still be concerns about how some drivers are travelling in that area."

The council has said money received from Penalty Charge Notices will be used to pay for the upkeep and running of the camera system.

Any surplus funds would be "reinvested into Southampton's transport network as set out in national legislation", it added.

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